No. SZll 



GV 877 
.F6 

1920 



Price z^ events 









By 

BILLY 
EVANS 

and 

^ JOHN B. 
FOSTER 



lAIVDEIRICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMRANY 
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SPALDING 



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"^ Q j — Si'Ai.DiNG "Red Cover" Seuies of 

~_j I I Athletic Handbooks 

U No. 82R 



Knotty Problems 



Compiled by 

JOHN B. FOSTER 

Editor Spalding* s Official Base Ball Guide 

and 

BILLY EVANS 

American League Umpire 



Revised in Accordance with the Changes 
in the Official Playing Rules as Adopted 
by the National and American Leagues 



PUBLISHED HY 

AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING 

COMPANY 

45 Rose Street, New Yokk 



P H f- ^ n n 






COPYRIGHT, IB30, BV AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMPANY 




BILLY EVANS. 

g)CU570373 



Introduction 



From n lialf dozen answers to queries which had been 
received in regard to base ball problems that had vexed 
young players, the volume of "Knotty Problems" traces its 
1 ('ginning. The publishers, ever anxious to help young ball 
players, advised that if the thousands of readers of Spald- 
ing's Official Base Ball Guide, in playing base ball games, 
should find some point in the rules that to them was not 
quite clear, information would gladly be given by writing 
to the editor of the Spalding Guide at 45 Rose Street. 
New York City. 

It seemed to be the very message for which the young 
I. all players had been looking. The first mail brought a 
lew questions, the next brought a great many more, and 
they continued to increase. It is true that many sought 
assistance on the same topic, but that merely proved the 
wide scope of the field for information. Tlie appreciatioji 
which the replies received and the interest which they 
I rv)ught forth suggested the idea of permanency. For that 
reason they were published in the Spalding Guide from 
year to year. They outgrew their chapter in the Guide 
and became a part of the volume of "How to Umpire," 
and now they have outgrown the latter and have been 
incorporated in a volume by themselves. 

Mr. William J. Evans, the American League umpire, has 
given the benefit of his knowledge and valuable experience 
in making clear many of the problems. He has had the 
oi-portunity to consult frequently, not only with the pres- 
ident and the umpires of his own league but with the 
umpires of the National League at the time of the games 
of the various world series. Other of the problems have 
leen answered by the editor of the Guide. Problems are 
still arriving and are always welcome. Address them to 
John B. Foster, American Sports Publishing Company, 45 
Rose Street, New York City. 



Never forget that the batter is the only 
player in a base ball game who can start 
a force play, and unless there is a runner 
on first base when the batter is compelled 
to go to first base by one of the rules of 
play, there can be no force. 

If there are runners on second and third, 
but none on first, the batter cannot force 
either of them by going to first. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 



Problems of Batting 

Failure to touch base spoils chances. 

In the last half of the ninth with the home team one run behind, things 
begin to happen. With two down the home team managed to get runners 
on first and third. The batsman hits safely to left. The runner on third 
jogs home with what appears to be the tieing run. In going from first 
to third, the runner originally on first fails to touch second. Both umpire 
and players noticed the mistake. The shortstop, after calling for the 
ball, touches second, and the umpire rules out the runner standing on 
third. Does the run count? 

The run does not count. The failure to touch second made a 
force play at that base for the third out. The runner who went to 
third never legally touched second, and the throwing of the ball to 
that base simply made a force play out of the situation, the ball 
beating the runner to the bag. Rule 59 states no run can be scored 
in which the third out is a force play. 

Ball seems to be fair but is foul. 

Batter hits ball back at the pitcher. It is a low liner that strikes 
the pitcher's rubber and rebounds back over the foul line midway be- 
tween home and third base, rolling into the players' bench. Runners 
were on second and third at the time and both scored, while the batsman 
went to second. Was that the proper ruling? 

Strange as it may seem to some, the drive which rebounded ofif 
the rubber and into the players' bench was nothing more than an 
ordinary foul. The runners should have been sent back to their 
respective bases and the batter made to hit over. The definition 
of a fair hit ball says it must settle in fair territory between home 
and first, or home and third, or that the ball must be on fair 
ground w^hen bounding to the outfield past first or third base. 
This particular ball settled on foul territory after bounding over 
the foul line and out of fair territory midway between home and 
first base. 

Once again the catcher interferes. 

With the bases filled and two out, the batsman swings hard and sends 
up a pop foul fly to the third baseman for what appeared to be the third 
out. It so happened that the catcher tipped the bat of the batsman as 
he was at)Out to hit the ball. What Is the proper ruling on such a play? 

Despite the fact that the batsman's effort was merely a foul fly 
that was caught did not change the situation. Since the catcher 
tipped the batter's bat, he created an interference, and such an 
act permits the batter to go to first, and allows all others to ad- 
vance when forced. Since the bases were filled at the time, the 
runner on third scored and the other two runners moved up a 
base on a foul fly that was caught. 



6 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Infield fly that strikes a runner. 

Runners are on first and sooond, one out, when the batter hits a high 

07 to the infield. The umpire ruled it an infield fly which retired the 
batsman. A high wind was blowing, making it diflicult to judge fly balls. 
In its descent the ball hit the base-runner, who was standing on second 
base. The umpire ruled him out for being hit by a batted ball, which 
retired the side. Were the two rulings on the same hit correct? 

The umpire In rendering two such rulings brought about con- 
flicting situations. If he desired to call the batter out on the 
infield fly, he was perfectly within his rights. On such a play the 
base-runner, in order to avoid being doubled up, had a right to 
hold his base. If the umpire was of the opinion that the base- 
runner hit by the batted ball should be declared out, then he 
should not have enforced the infield fly rule, for when a base-runner 
Is declared out for being hit by a batted ball, the batsman is en- 
titled to first base. The umpire could have advanced a good reason 
for declaring either of the two out, but had no right to declare 
both out on the play. 

The batsman after base on balls fails to touch first. 

In the last half of the ninth, with two men out, and the score one to 
nothing against the home team, the batter hits for three bases. With 
the count three to two on the next batter, the pitcher uncorks a wild 
pitch for the fourth ball, which gets away from the catcher. The runner 
on third scores easily, while the batter scampered to first on four balls. 
In going from the plate to second, he fails to touch first in rounding 
that bag. The first baseman noticed the error, calls for the ball and 
touches the bag. The umpire rules the batter out, retiring the side. 
Does the run count? 

Common sense would allow the run. It should count. It is 
impossible to make a force third out of the play at first, because 
the base on balls really entitled the batsman to first base. It Is 
Impossible to force a man at a base to which the rules state he is 
legally entitled. 

On stepping out of the batter's box. 

How strictly do major league umpires enforce the rule that the batsman 
shall not step out of the box while in the act of hitting the ball? I refer 
to Rule 50, which states that an illegally batted ball is a ball batted by 
the batsmiin when either or lK>th of his feet are upon the ground out- 
side the lines of the batsman's position. For this offense, as I under- 
8t4ind It, the batsman should be declared out. 

Major league umpires do not enforce the rule to the letter. Nine 
out of every ten batters have one foot or part of it outside of the 
lines wh«'n they connect with the ball. The batter's stride in- 
variably drives him over the boundary lines. When it is merely a 
matter of inches it is overlooked. When the batter advances so 
far out of position that both feet overstep the limit, he is always 
declared out. In the first case, the force of the swing is the 
reason ; in the second case, it is invariably done to gain an undue 
advantage 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 7 
To award first on fly that is caught. 

Batsman strikes at a pitched ball, his effort being a foul fly to the first 
baseman, which was caught by that player. In striking at the ball the 
catcher's glove came into contact with the player's bat, thereby interfering 
with him in getting his proper swing at the call. What would have been 
the proper ruling? 

The batsman is entitled to first base anj' time the catcher inter- 
feres with him in, or prevents him from striking at, a pitched ball. 
The fact that the ball was a foul, also that it was caught, had no 
bearing upon the case. The batsman is entitled to first. 

Where ball first hits makes no difference on this play. 

Ball hits a yard foul about midway between first and home, and then 
slowly rolls onto fair territory, and is picked up by the pitcher on fair 
territory about ten feet from the first base. Is the ball fair or foul? 

The ball is fair. It makes no difference where the ball first 
strikes. It depends on the final resting place of the ball, provided 
it does not pass first or third base, and if it does, it depends in 
what territory it happened to be when it passed either base. Rule 
44 clearly defines the happening. 

Advancing bases on fly that is juggled. 

Runners are on second and third, one man is out, batter hits fly to deep 
left field. Runner on third believes fly will be caught and holds his base, 
runner on second does not think ball will be caught and starts for third 
as soon as it is hit. The moment the ball strikes the fielder's hands, the 
runner on third starts for home. The ball bounds out of the fielder's 
hands, but he recovers it before it falls to the ground. By a swift 
accurate throw he manages to get the ball to second before the original 
occupant of that bag can get back, thereby retiring him for the second 
out. The ball was then thrown to the third baseman and a triple play 
claimed, since the runner originally on that base had left the bag before 
the ball was actually caught. Was a triple play made, or did the run 
scored from third count? 

It was not a triple play, and the run scored from third counted. 
The moment a fly ball strikes the hands of a fielder, the base- 
runner has a right to advance, if he has held his base. Otherwise 
a fielder could juggle a ball as long as he desired, and all the time 
be rushing in to the infield. 

Being hit by a slow pitched ball. 

If the batsman is hit by a slow pitched ball, which he plainly attempts 
to avoid, is he entitled to first base? It is argued that on a slow pitched 
ball, the batsman is not entitled to first, even though it is impossible for 
him to get out of the way. 

At one time failure of the batsman to get out of the way of a 
slow pitched ball did not entitle him to first. It was left to the 
umpire to determine whether or not the ball was a fast one or 
slow one. ' Tender the present rules the batsman is entitled to first 
base if he is hit by any pitched ball at which he did not strike, 
unless in the opinion of the umpire he plainly made no effort to 
get out of the way of the pitched ball. 



8 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

This play was not a force third out. 

The bases are filled, two are out, batter hits a sliort fly to left field on 
which each runner advances a base. The runner who advanced from first 
to second on the hit was in an excellent position to see the catch. Evi- 
dently he thought the left fielder had made a legal catch that made the 
third out, for he left second and started for first base, his position on 
the team. In the meantime the batsman had reached first, the runner on 
second had gone to third, wiiile the man on third had gone home. The 
iimpire ruled that the fielder had trapped the ball, not caught it. The 
players on the team at bat finally made the runner who had left second, 
realize the decision, but before he could get back he w\i8 tagged out. 
Did the run count? 

The run counted. The third out made at second base was not a 
f(trce out, as the team in the field contended. The runner having 
once touched second base became the occupant of that base, thereb.v 
eliminating any possibility of a force play. He left the base at 
his own peril after having become the possessor of it. 

Runner was entitled to score. 

In the ninth inning, with the score a tie, two men out and a runner on 
second, the batsman singled sharply to left field. The runner on second, 
away to a good start, decided to try and score on the hit. The left 
fielder made a perfect throw to the plate, which had the runner beaten 
a considerable distance. The runner slid into the plate at full speed. 
It so happened that the ball took a last bad bound and hopped over the 
catcher's head. The pitcher of the team in the field was backing up the 
play. The catcher decided the one thing to do was to keep the runner 
from touching the jd.-ite. He set himself squarely in front of the plate 
to carry out that idea. Runner and catcher became tangled up and due 
to the rough actions of the catcher, the runner was tagged out by the 
pitcher before he was able to touch the plate. Was the runner out or 
should the score have been allowed? 

The runner should have been allowed to score. Under Section .5 
of Rule 54, the runner is entitled to advance a base when the 
obstruction of a fielder prevents him from making a base, unless 
latter has l)all in his hand ready to touch runner. 

Coacher pulls a bad piece of work. 

Two out, runner on first, last half of the ninth. Batter hit a short fly to 
right, which looked like an easy chance. Runner on first reached third 
and was rounding the bag for home when the coacher Informed him the 
ball had fallen foul. The runner started to cut across the diamond to go 
back to first. His team mat«>s finally made him understand the ball was 
fair. In the meantime the ball had been thrown to the third baseman. 
The runner originally on first realized there was no chance for him to 
reach third in safety, neither could he get to first, as the man who hit 
the ball was standing on that bag. He made a wild dash for second and 
readied it before being touclied with the ball. He was later touched 
with the ball in the hands of the shortstop, while he was standing on th^ 
b;!g. AVas the runner safe or out? 

Ihe runner was out. even though he was standing on second base 
when touched with the ball. Under Rule 52. the base-runner the 
nionicrit he touched third base became the occupant of that bag. 
Cetting back to sec(;nd did not exempt him from being put out, 
third base alone insured him safety. It was a prize "bone" on the 
part of the coacher. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 9 
Failure to touch first causes trouble. 

The score is five to four against the home team, it is the last half of 
the ninth and a runner is on second and two men out. With three balls 
and two strikes on the batter, the pitcher threw a low ball at which 
the batter swung and missed. The ball got away from the catcher and 
rolled a considerable distance. The coaoher at first noticed this and 
urged the batter to try for second. On recovering the ball the catcher 
threw badly to second. During the mixup, the runner originally on 
second scored, while the batsman continued on to third and eventually 
scored, when a bad peg was made to that base. At this stage the first 
baseman, who had been frantically yelling for the ball, made it known 
that the batsman who had struck out had missed first base in making the 
circuit. Getting the ball he touched first base. The umpire declared the 
batter out. Does the run scored by the man originally on second stand? 

The run does not score. The failure of th"e batsman who had 
struck out to touch first base made the play at that base a force 
third out, and on such plays no runs can score. 

Man apparently scored but didn't. 

Two are out in the last half of the ninth, and the score is 9 to 1 against 
the home team. The batter singles. He steals second and third un- 
molested on the first tw<) balls pitched. Since his run had no direct 
bearing on the result, no attention was paid to his efforts. Some wag in 
the bleachers suggested he steal home. Acting on the suggestion he 
dashed for the plate as the pitcher started his windup. The pitcher 
decided to let him complete the theft and purposely continued to wind 
up, until the runner slid across the plate in safety. Before he actually 
delivered the ball to the batter, the runner who had stolen home was 
half way to the bench. The batsman hit the ball when it was finally 
delivered and went out on a fly to left field, which retired the side and 
ended the game. Does the run count? 

This run does not count. The play is based on Rule 59, which 
relates to the scoring of runs. A clause in this rule states, a run 
shall not be scored, if after touching the first three bases, the 
runner comes home from third on a play in which the third man Is 
forced out, or is put out before reaching first. The start of the 
play was when the pitcher started the windup, the completion was 
the fly to the outfield, which was caught, thus making the batter 
out before he reached first base. 

The run certainly did count. 

With the score a tie, team at bat fills bases with two down. With the 
count three balls and two strikes on the batter, the runners very properly 
started to advance at top speed, as the pitcher began his windup. The 
pitch was wide, making the fourth ball. The runner coming home from 
third seeing the pitch was a ball, slowed up and merely walked toward 
the plate. The runner originally on second slightly overran third on 
reaching that bag. A snap throw from the catcher retired him, making 
the third out. The third out was made before the runner from third had 
actually crossed the plate. Does the run count? 

The run counts. The base on balls to the batter with the bases 

filled, entitled the runner on third to score. It made no difference 

whether he had actually crossed the plate or not before the third 
out wfts made. 



TO Sl\1LI)IXG'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

Bonehead work on the coacher's part. 

Kuim.T «.ii tliiiri. no one (.ut, hatter liit to the left of the shortstop, 
wlio was forced to go nearly to second to get the grounder. Knowing 
proi)er base ball called for the runner on third to hold his base, he gave 
him little thought. lie figured only on making a play at first. Just as 
he fielded the ball tlie shouts of his team mates caused him to look 
toward the plate, and lie saw a visiting player running from third at 
full speed. He made a good throw to the plate, and the catcher touched 
I'Ut the visitor as he slid into the plate, the umpire rendering such a 
ruling. It then developed that the runner who had been thrown out at 
the plate was none other than the coacher from third. What about such 
a play? 

The umpire should have declared out the runner originally on 
third. The rule go.vorninp: this play state.s : if, while third base is 
occupied, the coacher stationed near the base shall run in the 
direction of home base, or near the base line, while the fielder is 
making or trying to make a play on a batted ball not caught on 
the fly, or a thrown ball, and thereby draws a throw to the home 
base, the base runner shall be declared out for the coacher's in- 
terference. 

Four interesting queries and the answers. 

Here are four (lueries from one f«in Avhich, being often asked, 
will be answered under one head : 

1. With man on first and no one out, the batter strikes out, but ball 
gets away from the catcher. Catcher recovers ball and throws to second 
ahead of runner, who advances from first to second on the play. Fielder 
receiving ball toiiclies base in :idvance of runner and then throws to first 
ahead of the batter who had struck out and run to first. How many are 
out ? 

2. Hunner cui first, batt.-r hits ball to first baseman, who fields it and 
t<iuches lirst, retiring the runner. He then throws the ball to the second 
bMseman, who touclies the li.ise ahead of the runner. Is that sufficient, or 
must the runner bt> touclied out on such a playV 

3. Hunner on tliird. I'uipire calls a balk on pitcher. Can runner score 
from third? 

4.^Why <h.es not the infield Hy rule apply with a runner on first base 

In Query 1, the runner is safe at second. It is not a force play. 
The batter is the only man out. Under the rules the batter is 
automat i<-ally out when he strikes out with first base occupied, 
and less than two out, whether the catcher holds the third strike 
or not. 

In Query 2, the runner is also safe at second. The moment the 
first baseman touched first and retired the batter, he removed the 
force at second, making it necessary to touch out the runner. 

In Query W. the runner on third has a right to score. On a 
lialk all bas(>-runners are entitled to advance. 

In Query 4, no intield (ly is dedaj-ed with a runner on first for 
the reason that (here is seldom :, chan.-e for a double play, If the 
batsman runs out his hit. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY n 
Once again runner must be touched. 

One out, runners on first and second, batsman strikes out, but ball gets 
away from catcher. Catcher recovers ball and throws to third ahead of 
runner, who advanced from second, but fielder does not touch runner with 
the ball. Is the runner out, and are runners forced to advance on such 
a play? 

According to Section 6 of Rule 51, unless two men are already 
out, the batsman is out if a third strike is called on him when 
first base is occupied by a runner. Thus, in the above case, the 
batsman was automatically out when the third strilje was called, 
regardless of the fact that it was not held by the catcher. In such 
case runners were not forced to advance; they did so at their own 
risk. The fact that the ball arrived at third ahead of the runner 
was not enough to retire him ; it was necessary to touch him out. 

Fielder had a chance to make play. 

Runner is on second, batter hits a ball to the shortstop. It is a hard 
hit ball. One is out at the time. The runner on second starts for third, 
believing the fielder will not get the ball. The ball gets away from the 
fielder after he gets it squarely in his hands, and rolls about ten feet 
away. The shortstop starts after it and the runner collides with him. 
The decision was that the runner was out because of interference with 
the shortstop in fielding the ball. Was that proper? 

Once the fielder had a chance to make a play on the ball, it 
killed any chance for an interference play, when the shortstop 
collided with him as he pursued the ball. If such interference 
plays were allowed, infielders after making an error on a ball 
would always purposely try to collide Avith a runner in order to 
atone for the misplay. 

Team should not suffer for umpire's mistake. 

Runner on third, two men out, batter hits a ball which travels down 
the first base line a yard foul. Runnet on third off at the pitch, crosses 
the plate while the ball is still in foul territory. Umpire believes ball is 
sure to remain foul and so calls it. The. moment he does so, the batsman 
who is Hearing first, stops and hastens back to the plate. The next in- 
stant the ball hits something and rolls into fair territoi-y and is a fair 
ball. First baseman recovers ball, touches first and claims the out. "What 
was the proper ruling? 

The umpire was in error, because he ruled too quickly. How- 
ever, since he declared it a foul ball, he had no recourse other than 
to stick to his decision. Had he not ruled too quickly, the batsman 
would have probably continued to first, beaten the play and the 
runner from third would have scored. In all probability the first 
baseman \YO"l<i have fielded the ball in foul territory, had not the 
call of foul by the umpire caused him to cease ptirsuit. To have 
changed from foul to fair, after having caused the runners to stop 
at the call of foul, would have been grossly unfair to the team 
at bat. 



12 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Fielder touched the wrong man. 

With ninnors on siconrt nnd third and one out, the batsman hit to the 
Bhortstop, who throw homo to liead off the runner from third. The runner 
from second wont to third and the batsman to second in the runup. It 
so happened that tho runner originally on third managed to get bacli to 
that base in safety, which created the familiar situation of two runners 
standing on the same bag at the same time. The third baseman, last to 
handle the ball, touched with the ball the original occupant of the bag. 
He then tossed the ball to the pitcher. The moment he did, the runner 
at third dashed for the plate. He reached it in safety. Was he out or 
entitled to score? 

With two men standing on third, at the same time, the original 
occupant was the only one exempt from being put out. The third 
baseman erred in touching the original occupant ; he should have 
touched the runner who advanced from second. No one was out, 
and the runner who had been touched had a perfect right to score. 

Scores on a freak squeeze play. 

One out, runner on third, squeeze play is called for. Runner dashes for 
plate on the pitch, while batter bunts a pop fly in the direction of third. 
Almost before the ball had mot the bat, the runner from third slid safely 
across the plate. The shortstop made the play on the ball. The coacher 
believed he would got it iind double up runner originally on third. The 
runner who had crossed the plate, started back to third. The shortstop 
failed to catch tho ball, but got it on the first bound. He tossed it to 
the third sackor, who touched out the runner, who had once reached the 
plate, as he slid back into third. What about the play? 

It Is a peculiar case, yet, an exactly similar one came up in the 
American League. It was held that the runner who once reached 
the plate actually scored. The moment he touched the plate he 
scored, and what happened later had no bearing on the case. Rule 
f)9 covers the play. 

A rule that unfortunately is never enforced 

Can a balk l>e called for holding the ball too long after a pitcher gets 
on the rubber in position to deliver the ball to the batter? 

The rules give the umpire the right to inflict such a penalty. It 
would probably be helpful if the umpire took more advantage of 
the clause, which gives him the right to call a balk any time in 
his belief such action on the part of the pitcher unnecessarily 
delays the game. 

Calling a balk suspends play. 

Runner on first, pitcher makes a foint to throw to first, but fails to do 
so. and umpiro loudly calls balk. I'itcher then hurriedly throws to plate 
and batter hits ball over the fence. What should have been the proper 
ruling? 

Sucn a happening as the above is a very unfortunate one for the 
umpire. The moment he declared a balk, play ceased. The de- 
claring of the balk ontitiod the runner on first to advance to 
second. The fact that the pitcher delivered the ball and the bats- 
man hit it over the fence cannot be given any consideration. The 
ball was not in play, hence the batsman must hit over again. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 13 
Umpire must use his judgment on this one. 

Runner on cecond, the batsman hito the ball to the left of the third 
baseman, which it seems he will have no difficulty in handling. The 
shortstop. Just as the pitcher was delivering the ball, was in the act of 
driving the runner on second back to that base by running toward ic, as 
if expecting a throw from the pitcher. The moment the ball was pitched 
he started toward his own position so as to keep the batter from hitting 
through the spot he had just vacated. Not more than ten feet from 
second base the runner collided with the shortstop and both fell to the 
ground. In the meantime the third baseman had allowed the ball hit 
right at him to trickle through his hands and roll into left field. The 
runner regained his feet and managed to reach third in safety. The team 
in the field contended that the runner should have been declared out, 
because he interfered with the shortstop, who they insisted would probably 
have made the play. What about the argument of the team in the field? 

When two or more men attempt to field the ball and the base- 
runner comes into contact with one of them, the umpire shall 
declare the runner out for coming into contact with a fielder other 
than the one the umpire determines to be entitled to make the play. 
From the description, it would seem that it was the third base- 
man's ball, that the shortstop had no chance of making a play, 
hence no attention should have been paid to the collision, and the 
runner allowed to advance at his risk. 

Runner from third is out. 

Runner is on third, one man is out, squeeze play is called for. The 
batsman fails to connect and the runner from third would have easily 
been retired had not the batsman interfered with the catcher in making 
the play and prevented him from doing so. What would have been the 
proper ruling, should the batsman or base-runner be declared out, because 
of the interference? 

In this case the runner from third should have been declared 
out. Section 15 of Rule 56 specifically states, the base-runner is 
out if with one or no one out and a base-runner on third, the 
batsman interferes with the play being made at the plate. The 
Idea is to inflict the penalty that will be the most severe, and the 
calling out of the base-runner kills the chance of a possible score. 
With two men out if the same play comes up, the batter is made 
to suffer and he is the one declared out, retiring the side. 

Fielder always has right of way. 

Batsman hits foul fly that comes down near the bench of his team 
mates. First baseman makes a play on the ball. Just as the player is 
about to complete the catch, one of the players tosses out a bat, which 
strikes the feet of the first baseman with considerable force. He gets 
the ball squarely in his hands, but drops it, due no doubt to the action 
of one of the players, who hit him with the bat. The umpire ruled the 
batsman out. Was he right? 

The umpire was perfectly correct in his ruling. The fielder 
always has the right of way. The action of a player on the bench 
in striking the fielder with his bat while about to make the catch, 
certainly constituted an Interference. 



1 4 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Can a foul ball be an infield fly? 

One out. runners on first and second, batter hits fly ball, which it 
appears will be caught by the second baseman. The umpire declares It 
an infl»'ld flv. When he so calls it the ball is about thirty feet in fair 
ff-rritory. A liiph wind is l>lowing, which eventually carries the ball foul. 
It is mufTcd l»v the second baseman in foul territory. Should the batsman 
be declared out under the infield fly rule since the ball was in fair terri- 
tory wlien he made such a ruling? 

The inlield fly rule relates only to fair balls. Since the wind 
carried the ball foul there was nothing for the umpire to do, other 
than to reverse his original ruling, which declared the batter out 
on an infield fly and let him hit over again. 

Ball in play even though it hit the umpire. 

One down, runner on first, b.itsman hits liner back at pitcher, who 
merely throws up his gloved liand in self protection. The ball struck the 
glove squarely and rebounded toward the shortstop. As it passed the 
umpire it just grazed his trousers. The shortstop recovered the ball, 
tossed to second, forcing the runner there, and the throw to first beat the 
batsman. The manager of team at bat argued against the double play, 
whicb tlie umpire allowed, claiming, because the batted ball struck the 
umpire, it should give the batsman the right to first, and that the runner 
on first should of course advance to second. What was the proper ruling? 

The umpire was right in allowing a double play. Once a fielder 
has made a play on a ball and touches it, the fact that it later 
hits the umpire has no bearing on the case. 

Runners should have been sent back. 

Runner on first, one out. three balls and two strikes on the batter. On 
the next i)itch the runner starts for second. The batter swings and misses 
tlie third strike. The catcher makes a perfect throw to second and retires 
tlie runner trying to steal. Tlie ball at which the batter swung for the 
third strike was close and inside. It just grazed his uniform as he struck 
out. What was the proper ruling? The team in the field claimed a 
double plaj'. 

The batsman is out, if. while attenii)ting a third strike, the ball 
touch any part of the liatsman's person. In all such cases base- 
runners cannot advance. The umpire should have declared the 
batsman out and sent the runner, who had apparently been retired, 
back to first, the base he occupied when the play started. 

On passing a preceding runner. 

Kunn.-r on first, one out. hatter hits a deep drive to right field. Runner 
believes fly will be caught and stops half way between first and second. 
Batsman feels certain the ball will go safe and tears around the bases at 
full speed. He passes runner originally on first, while running from first 
to second. liatsman who hit the ball was able to complete the circuit on 
the <;rive. as the fielder was unable to make the catch. What should 
have been the ruling? 

Even though the baisman apparently made a home run, he was 
out the moment he passed a preceding runner between first and 
second. This i)lay is covered in Section IG of Rule 56. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 15 
Intent cannot be considered in interference plays. 

The bases are filled, two men are out and the batsman hits the ball to 
the shortstop. The base-runner very properly runs behind the tielder, in 
order not in any way to interfere. The shortstop gets set for the ball, 
just as the runner is in the act of passing him from the rear. The 
fielder at that very moment decides that if he takes another step back- 
ward he will be in a better position to handle the ball. The step is 
disastrous; it results in a collision between fielder and base-runner, both 
falling to the ground. All three runners score and the batter reaches 
second. What was the proper ruling on this play? 

The umpire should have called the runner going to third out for 
interference. The fielder always has the right of way and while he 
may have directly been the cause of the collision, it was the duty 
of the base-runner to avoid him. In all plays of interference, the 
intent cannot be considered. 

This play nearly came up in world series. 

Overflow crowd in right and left field, while in left field a number of 
fans sit on top of the fence to get a better view of the game. Agreement 
is that a ball hit into the crowd shall be good for two bases. Batter hits 
a ball that would have cleared the left field fence. One of the fans 
sitting on the fence sets himself and tries to catch the ball. It strikes 
in his hands, but he fails to hold it, and it falls into the overflow crowd. 
Team in the field contends that the hit is only good for two bases, while 
the team at bat claimsi it should be a home run. 

The hit should have been allowed a home run, if in the opinion 
of the umpire, it would have cleared the fence, had it not been for 
the spectator's interference. Such a happening almost came up in 
the 1911 world series between New York and Philadelphia at Shibe 
Park, Philadelphia. The wall at Shibe Park was lined with spec- 
tators. One of them almost caught the home run drive which 
Frank Baker hit off "Rube" Marquard. That hit caused the 
umpires at once to confer and make a rule to cover the happening. 
It was agreed that a home run was the only fair solution of the 
problem. 

A fair or foul hit is determined by the location of the ball 
and not that of the fielder. 

Line drive Is hit outside of third base; third baseman has foot on bag, 
when he reaches out and knocks down the ball. Is it a fair bit? 

The hit is foul. Read Rule 44'. 

Why ball is called foul when it hits batsman standing in 
his box. 

Why is it that when a batter hits a ball directly in front of the plate, 
and it then bounds up and hits the batsman, before he starts away, that 
the ball is invariably called a foul? 

The position assumed by the batter is always in foul territory, 
so that even though the ball first hits fair it must be in foul terri- 
tory to hit the batter, who has not left his position, hence is always 
called a foul ball. 



1 6 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Fielding balls on restricted territory. 

Overflow crowd causes ropos to be stretched, making a ground rule 
necessary, that hits into the overflow should go for two bases. At one end 
of the stretched rope there were no fans. Batsman hits ball to right 
center. The fielder backs up against the rope. When it becomes apparent 
that he can make the catch, if he jumps over the rope which is about 
two feet high, he does so and makes the catch. What should have been 
the ruling? 

Later In the game a batsman hits a ball to the right fielder. Just as 
he gets the ball into his hands and makes the catch, he crashes against 
the ropes and falls backward into the overflow crowd. How about this 
play? 

In the first case, the umpire should not have allowed the out, 
but granted the batsman two bases. The ropes acted as the end of 
the playing field, and a catch made outside the boundary limita- 
tions was not legal. 

In the second case, the out should have been allowed, as the 
completion of the catch was made on the playing field. No con- 
sideration should be giveft to the fact that the fielder later fell 
over the ropes. 

Relative to substitution of pinch hitters. 

Pitcher suffers a broken finger in the third inning, but same not being 
on his pitching hand, he finished out the inning. In the fourth inning, 
with runners on second and third, and one out, it was the pitcher's turn 
to bat. An extra catcher was sent in to bat for the pitcher. At the 
close of the inning, the manager decided to use an entirely new battery. 
He put in a pitcher to replace the injured pitcher, for whom the extra 
catcher had acted as a pinch hitter, and decided to substitute the extra 
catcher in place of the regular backstop. In the original lineup the 
catcher had batted seventh and the pitcher ninth. How should the new 
battery have hit? 

Since the extra catcher, who had acted as pinch hitter, was 
pressed into the game as a regular, it became necessary that during 
the remainder of the game he continue to bat in the same place 
as the original pitcher, ninth. That of course made it necessary 
that the substituted pitcher bat in the position of the original 
catcher, which was seventh. 

The infield fly rule does not apply when there is a runner 
on first only. 

After reading the so-called infield fly rule regarding runners on first and 
second bases and on first, second and third bases, I do not see any mention 
made when there is a runner on first only. What happens when that is the 
case? 

If there is a runner on first only and a fly is batted to the Infield, 
the general rules of Base Ball follow. In other words, it Is not 
necessary for the umpire to announce either "batter out" or "infield 
fly." Same applies with a runner on first and one on third, second 
base being vacant. The reason is that there is not a chance for a 
double play if the batsman runs out his hit. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY i? 
Spectator's interference makes trouble. 

There Is an overflow crowd, which makes a ground rule necessary on 
thrown and batted balls. It is agreed that a throw into the crowd shall 
be good for two bases. Late in the game, with the score a tie, first 
batter for the home team hits for two bases. The next batter bunts 
down the first base line. The first baseman rushes in, gets the ball, and 
makes a hurried throw to third to get the runner. A perfect throw would 
have turned the trick, but the throw is high and gets away from the 
third baseman. It rolls perhaps thirty feet. The third baseman rushes 
for the ball, as does a fan sitting in the front row of the overflow crowd. 
The ball Is practically motionless when the fan picks it up and rushes 
back to cover in the crowd. The runner dashes from second to the plate, 
and the batter scores, while the third sacker attempts to regain the ball. 
The manager of the team at bat contends both runners should score 
because it is a blocked ball. Later he insists the runner should score 
and the batter go to second because the ball went into the crowd. What 
should have been the ruling? 

The umpire should have granted the batsman first and allowed 
the runner on second to advance to third. Rule 37, Section 3, 
states If a person not engaged in the game should retain possession 
of a blocked ball, or throw or kick it beyond the reach of the 
fielders, the umpire shall call time and require both runners to 
stop at the base last touched by him. 

Batsman is out when with two strikes he strikes at and 
misses the ball which hits him. 

There are runners on second and third bases and one out. In attempt- 
ing a third strike, the batter missed the ball, which came into contact 
with his person. The catcher also missed the ball, the runners on second 
and third scoring and the batter reaching second base. What was the 
proper ruling? 

When the missed third strike came into contact with the oerson 
of the batsman, he was automatically retired. On such a play no 
bases can be run, so that the two men who scored should have been 
sent back to their original bases. 

With runner on first and not two out, batsman is auto- 
matically out whether third strike is caught or not. 

With a runner on first base and one out, the catcher drops the third 
strike. The runner goes to third and the batter to second. The catcher 
throws the ball to third base and claims an out on the ground that the 
runner had no right to advance, as the batter was out and the runner 
should have remained at first. 

The batter was out, but the runner can get as far as he is able 
to run. 

The final resting place of the ball determines whether a hit 
is fair or foul. 

If the batsman hits a ball that first strikes several feet in foul terri- 
tory and then rolls into fair territory, finally settling on fair territory, 
between first and home, is it a fair or foul ball? 

It is a fair ball, despite the fact that it first hit foul. The status 
of the hit is determined by where the ball finally settles, which 
was on fair territory. 



I 8 SI\U.ni\C/3 ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Batsman stepping out of box when pitcher is in position. 

Can !i Jinfsiii.iri stt-p out of the batter's box after the pitcher is standing 
oil the rubbirV 

IIo is not supposed to do so, but conditions frequently arise that 
make it neeessury. He should appeal to the umpire, who will call 
time if the jjitcher lias not started his delivery. » 

How players assume their positions in the batting order 
when, after first acting as pinch hitters, they become 
regular substitutes. 

.M:in:ij:<T of ttiiiu !it hat sends his star pitcher, who is a good hitter, to 
bat in phitf of tli«' iil.'i.vcr doing the catching. At the close of the inning 
\w dt'fidt's to sliift his l>attory, sending in a new pair. He selects his 
star pitclicr, who was used as a pinch hitter, to do the pitching and 
another catcher to do the receiving. I^w will these two players bat in 
tlie line-up? 

The star pitcher will continue to bat in the position of the 
catcher in whose place he batted, while the new catcher will bat in 
the pitcher's position in the line-up. 

Batter can never go to first base when the umpire calls a 
balk. 

What effect does the calling of a balk by the umpire have on the bat- 
ter? Can the batter at any time go t© first base on a balk? 

The calling of a balk has no effect whatever on the batsman. It 
relates only to the base-runner, or runners, entitling each runner 
to advance a base without liability to be put out. 

When batsman throws bat at ball in fair territory inter- 
ference is constituted. 

Hiiniur on tirst base, batter attempting to sacrifice bunts the ball down 
tlie tliird base line. Just as the catclier is about to make a play on the 
liall, tlie batsman so throws his bat that it comes into contact with the 
ball, knocking it thirty feet into foul territory. Runner on first reaches 
third base, wliile the batsman goes to second. What is the proper ruling 
on the playV 

The bntsnian should be declared out for interference and the 
runner who reached third should be sent back to his original base, 
which was first base. 

Right of the base-runner to leave the line to avoid inter- 
ference with a fielder whose right of way is privileged. 

,.„V''^ M '"'riV'''"!'"''" "•'? ''f.'.'l^" ^■'.'" f"»^i'lcrably more than three feet 
a balttvl bair'"' "'""" ^""''•'l'"*'' ^^i^h a fielder about to make a play on 

The base-runner certainly has such a right, provided the fielder 
has not the ball in his hands ready to touch him. As a matter of 
fact, the runner must so run that he will not collide with the 
fielder, under penalty of being called out for interference. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 19 

An attempt to bunt is a strike even if the batsman does not 
touch the ball if there is no one out. 

There is no one out and two strikes on the batter. The hitter attempts 
to bunt the ball but misses it. The catcher also misses the ball. The 
batsman runs to first base but is called out by the umpire. Was the umpire 
right? 

The batsman was not out. He became a base runner immedi- 
ately after three strikes had, been called by the umpire. Had the 
batsman bunted a foul on the third strike he would have been out, 
but his attempt to bunt — even though he missed the ball — was as 
if he had swung freely at the ball. If the catcher failed to hold 
the third strike, the batsman becoming a base-runner, must pro- 
ceed-to first base. If he arrived there in advance of the ball he 
Was safe. 

Batsman should be given reasonable time to regain his 
balance if he slips when swinging at the ball. 

Batsman swung very hard at the second strike and, slipping, staggered 
back three or four steps. Before he had recovered his balance and could 
return to the batsman's box the pitcher delivered the ball and the batsman 
was called out on strikes. Was the umpire right? 

Technically he was. The literal construction of the rule gives 
the umpire no alternative than to call a strike if the batsman has 
begun his turn at bat. On the other hand, if the umpire was satis- 
fied that the batsman was a victim of an accident — In other words, 
had slipped out of position — it would have been permissible for him 
to suspend play. 

The umpire must use his judgment if the batter deliberately 
walks out of the box. 

In the last half of the seventh (and final) inning, the game being short- 
ened by mutual agreement, with the score 7 — 5 in favor of the team in the 
field, no runs, two hands out, two strikes and no balls on the batter, the 
latter walked out of his box. The pitcher threw the ball and the umpire 
called a strike, which retired the side and ended the game. The losing 
team protested. If the protest was sustained it was a question whether 
the game was to start again where it had terminated in the seventh inn- 
ing, with two strikes and no balls, or whether the game should be played 
from the start. 

If the batsman did not ask the umpire to suspend play for some 
cause of more than ordinary importance, a protest of the game 
should never have been considered. In all that is related above the 
umpire is sole judge. 

Runner can steal a base on a foul tip that is caught. 

Can a runner steal a base on a foul ball which is also the second strike? 
If a foul tip, yes. If a foul fly, he should hold first base until 
after the ball is caught. 



20 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

1. Impossible to make a force-out at a base to which the 
runner is entitled. 2. No run can be scored on third out 
in which the batsman fails to reach first. 

Please state tlie difiference between these two plays, which seem very 
similar: 

No. 1— Runner on third, two men out, three balls and two strikes on 
the batter. The delivery was a wild pitch, making the fourth ball, en- 
titling the runner to first base. The ball rolled almost to the grand 
stand. The batsman raced to second base, while the runner on third 
scored. In running to second, the batsman failed to touch first base. 
The ball was thrown to that base and the umpire declared an out, mak- 
ing tlie third out and retiring the side. Does the run count? 

No. 2 — Rimner on third, two men out. two strikes and three balls. The 
batter swings at the ne.\t delivery and misses, but the ball gets away 
and rolls almost to the grandstand. The runner on third scores and the 
batsman reaches second. As in the other case, the batsman fails to 
ttnich tirst biist- iiu his way to second. The ball is thrown to tirst base, 
and the umpire declared the runner on second out, making the third out 
and retiring the side. Does the run count? 

In play No. 1, the run surely does count. The batsman who 
received a base on balls is entitled to first base, and the throwing 
of the ball to that base, which he missed on his way to second, 
retires him, but is not a force-out. 

In play No. 2, the run does not count. When the batsman who 
struck out, and who failed to touclj first base on his way to sec- 
ond, was retired by having the ball thrown to the base missed, it 
made the third out, and a run cannot score on a play in which 
the third man be put out before reaching first. 

Position of ball determines whether fair or foul. 

A fly was batted Just within the right field foul line. The right fielder 
had one foot on foul territory and one foot on fair territory when he 
caught tlie ball. The umpire said it was a foul because the fielder had 
one foot on foul territory although the ball was plainly over fair ground. 
Was the umpire right? 

No. The position of the fielder has nothing to do with a de- 
cision of this kind. It is the position of the ball which must 
govern the umpire as to whether the hit is fair or foul. If the 
ball is outside the foul line and the fielder on fair ground it is a 
foul. If the ball is over fair ground and the fielder outside the 
foul line, it is a fair hit. 

Umpire decides home run on boundary fence. 

A long fly was batted into the stand in right field. The ball passed 
over the feme between the stand and the field on fair ground but it 
curved after passing the fence and dropped foul. Was it a foul ball or a 
fair ball? 

The new rules would make it a fair ball. The umpire Is no 
longer required to give u decision on a bit where he last sees the 
ball, \i\ii where he noted it when it passed the boundary fence. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 21 
Bunted fair fly not an infield fly. 

^^rhe batter bunted ami lifted a fair lly into the air. Was it an infield 
^ See Rule 51, Section 8. The umpire is not to call it an infield 

A ground rule is arbitrary and a runner may advance only 
to the limit of bases allowed by the rule. 

at^spl'on/">ln, ''i^r^'^t^ ^'*'" ^:^''' 'i^'? ^'^ « h^t. Runner does not remain 
at second, but goes home. Can he be put out? 

No. Send him back to second. The ground rule is arbitrary. 

If a backstop is at the legal distance, runner may make as 
many bases as possible if fourth ball is a wild pitch. 

he^such'r^ghtV^ " ^'^^^ ^'*'''' ""'^ batter-runner goes to second base. Has 

Yes, if the backstop is the le^al distance from the plate and the 
runner can reach second without being touched out. 

When a balk is called each base-runner is entitled to ad- 
vance one base, regardless of his station. 

There are runners on first and third bases. In attempting to catch the 
barL^t?tl^?\o"S'^!- ^'^ ^^'^^'' "^'^'^ ^ ''''^- '^ ^'« rlrlr:n%^^r'a 
The runner on third certainly is entitled to saore, and the run- 
ner on first should advance to second. A great many people seem 
to have the impression that a run cannot score on a balk That is 
wrong. 

When there is a runner on first base and the batsman is 
retired pnor to the runner, there no longer can be a 
force play. 

Runner is on first base, also runner on third base, one man out Tke 
wilf"^f,? i^ ty.^ grounder to the second baseman, and a double play that 
^lIL^ K^^ *^^ ^.V° ^^^^ certain. Shortstop is slow in covering, and the 
second baseman throws the ball to first, getting the batter. When the 
runner advancing from first gets within about thirty feet of second he 
l!^^^ ^^ fi^""^, ^^"^- '^.*'^ ^^^* baseman throws the ball to the shortstop, 
who has finally covered second and the runner is touched out as he slides 
into that base, completing a double play and retiring the side. The run- 
ner on third had scored long before the third out was made. Does the 
run count? 

The run does count. The moment the batsman was retired at 
first base, there was no longer a chance for a force play on the 
runner trying t« reach second base. If said runner had cared to, 
and could have gotten back in safety, he could have returned to 
first base. There was nothing that forced him to continue on his 
way to second after the batsman had been retired. 



11 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Definition of infield fly. 

Please define the infield fly rule. It seems to be misunderstood by the 
umpires in our industrial league. They insist there are two ways to rule 
upon it. 

The change in the rules which was made February 10, 1920, 
shouhl help every umpire to understand the "infield fly" rule 
without trouble in the future. Section 8 of Rule 51 now reads : 
"If before two hands are out. when first and second, or first, second 
and third bases are occupied, the batter hit a fair fly (note the 
word 'fair') other than a line drive that can be handled by an 
infielder, he is out. In such case the umpire shall, as soon as the 
ball be hit, declare it an infield or outfield hit." Now comes an 
addition to the rule that makes it much clearer than before : "The 
runners may be off their bases or advance at the risk of the ball 
being caught, the same as on any other fly ball." This change 
will make customs uniform in all leagues. 

When base umpire is hit by batted ball the batsman is en- 
titled to first base, but no bases are run unless forced. 

Runner on first. Batter raps the ball through the infield and it hits 
the base umpire, )»ounding from him to the shortstop, who touches second, 
and the riuiner from first is called out on force. Ruling by an expert is 
that the ball is not in play. Is that correct? 

Rule 55, Section 6, reads : "The base-runner shall return to his 
base without liability to be put out if the umpire be struck by a 
fair hit ball before touching a fielder; in which case no base shall 
be run unless necessitated by the batsman becoming a base-runner 
and no run shall be scored unless all the bases are occupied." 

Runner from first was forced. 

One runner is forced out but the other is not. 

There are base-runuers on first and second bases with no one out. The 
next batter raps a fly to the outfield, where it is muflfed. The fielder 
throws the ball to second base and the second baseman throws it to third 
base, as both runners move up when the ball is muffed. The throw arrives 
at second base ahead of the runner from first base, but it does not arrive 
at tliird base ahead of the runner from second. tJive the correct ruling. 

The runner from first base to second base is out. He was forced 
when the fly hit was muffed, and as the ball arrived at second in 
advance of him no other ruling could be legal. The runner from 
second base to third base is not out. as he arrived at third base 
after the force play had been eliminated. If the fielder had first 
thrown the ball to third base the force would have begun there and 
it W(tuM have been possible to retire the runner at second base in a 
double play if a supplementary throw reached the latter base before 
the runner. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 23 
Batting out of turn. 

When it came time for the sixth batter in the list to go to the plate 
the seventh man went to bat in his place and made a hit; then No. 6 
discovered the mistake and went to bat, whereupon the umpire called him 
out for batting out of turn. Should not No. 7 come back to bat, since 
No. 6 was out, or should he stay on first as a result of his hit? 

Batsman No. 6 was out for not batting in his turn. If this is the third 
man out the proper batsman in the next inning is the player who would have 
come to bat had the players been put out by ordinary play in the preceding 
inning; No. 7 would thus come up again, to bat in his regular turn. If 
not the third man out, the game stands as it is being played, with No. 6 
out and No. 7 is the next batter. 

Another version of alleged force-out. 

Runner on first base when batter hits for three bases; batter being 
faster than the other man, he reaches third base before man ahead gets 
home; ball is thrown to catcher, who touches home base before runner gets 
there and umpire calls runner out, claiming a force; this decision was dis- 
puted and broke up the game; give correct decision. 

The umpire's ruling was absurd. Very frequently a slow runner is ahead 
of two speedy ones. There is no reason why a force can exist because one 
man can run faster than another. As repeatedly stated, there is no force 
play in Base Ball except it begins by the batter pushing the next runner, 
the next two runners or the next three runners ahead of him. 

When the infield fly rule is applied. 

One out; man on first base and man on third base; batter hits infield fly 
which by ordinary playing could be caught. Is it compulsory for the batter 
to run to first base and the man on first to try for second? 

The infield fly rule does not apply under the conditions outlined. First 
and second, or first, second and third must be occupied before the rule can 
apply. In case the batsman did not run out the hit, or the runner on 
first held that base, the fielder had the opportunity to drop the ball, throw 
it to second and so to first for a double play. 

Rule 53, section 4, covers what should be done. 

Batter has two strikes and three balls. The next pitched ball strikes 
batsman on the arm. Umpire calls it "dead ball" and brings the bats- 
man to bat over, calling it neither ball nor strike, on the ground that he 
tries purposely to get hit. Was umpire right or wrong in his ruling, and 
is there any specific rule in the book covering this particular play? 

For every fairly delivefed ball the umpire must call a strike; if unfairly 
delivered he must call a ball. If the ball was fairly delivered and the 
player purposely got in the way of it, the umpire should have called him 
out for interference. If it was unfairly delivered, it was a dead ball. All 
balls that hit batsman are dead balls. 



24 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

If he had hit the ball he would have been out, because he 
was not within the lines of his position. 

Batter runs toward the pitcher out of the batter's box and strikes at the 
ball but misses it. Is he out? 

lie is not, if he failed to bat the ball. 

Batter can be removed at any time. 

Sixth inning; batter has taken two strikes, when team captain halts 
game, takes batter out and sends in substitute, who takes third strike and 
is out. Is this in accordance with rules? 

Yes, batter can be removed at any time. 

It is not too late. 

If, when a batter has two strikes and two balls charged against him, it 
is found that he is batting out of turn, is he out, or does the rule mean 
that the right batter shall be substituted immediately if the mistake is 
discovered? a 

The rule says the right batter shall be substituted at once. 

Depends on where it stops before reaching first or third 
bases. 

Batter bunts the ball on fair ground; it rolls foul and then back inside the 
diamond before reaching third base. He hits another ball to foul ground, 
^nd it rolls on fair ground before reaching third base and remains there. 
What are these two hits? 

Both hits are fair. 

Must show exactly where rule was violated. 

After a baseman has called the attention of the umpire to the fact that 
he should watch all of the bases when a batter seems to have made a 
three-base hit or a home run, should the umpire call the batter out if he 
fails, for instance, to touch second base? 

Not unless the fielding side makes a play on second base showing that 
someone knows the batter forgot to touch second on his way around the 



The batter receives credit for a safe hit nevertheless. 

If two hands are out and a runner from first base to second base is hit 
by a batted ball, is the batter credited with a base hit, even though it is 
the third out? 

The batter always receives a base hit, no matter what the status of the 
game may be, if a runner is hit by a batted ball. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 25 

Umpire certainly did not understand "infield fly" rule. 

With men on first and second and one out, batsman hits a foul fly 
between third and home and the shortstop tries to catch the ball but drops 
it. The umpire rules the batsman out, under the infield fly rule. Was he 
right? 

Rule 51, Section 8, says: "The batsman is out if, before two hands are 
out, while first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied. 
he hit a fly ball, other than a line drive, that can be handled by an in- 
fielder. In such case the umpire shall, as soon as the ball be hit, declare 
it an infield or outfield fly." It is very evident that this rule is intended 
to apply where there is a possibility of a double play. As there could be 
na double play on a trapped foul fly, the umpire was wrong. 

When batter can change from right to left, or vice versa. 

Batter after having one strike called on him changed to opposite side of 
plate, while pitcher had ball but was not in box ready to pitch. Was batter 
out? Also, batter turned his back to pitcher and refused to swing at ball, 
but did not leave batter's box: umpire called him out. Was umpire's deci- 
sion correct? While batter was standing with his back to the plate, pitcher 
delivered ball which hit him, though he tried to get out of the way of it. 
Was batter out or was he entitled to his base? 

Batter can change to opposite m<ie of p4e*« if he does it before pitcher 
is in position to pitch. Fact that batter turned his back to plate or pitcher 
did not penalize him. Umpire should call ball or strike, as the case may 
be, and if he attempted to get out of the way of a pitched ball and still 
was hit he should be given his base, but it hardly seems reasonable that a 
batter acting in such a manner made a real try to avoid being hit. It would 
be for the umpire to say. In either case, however, the umpire has no 
authority to call the batsman out. 

A play often misunderstood. 

In running the last half of the distance from home plate to first base, 
while the ball is being fielded to first base, can the runner step outside the 
three-foot limit line? 

Yes; as long as his doing so does not interfere with the play at first base. 

Batter cannot change while pitcher is in act of delivery. 

With three balls and two strikes against the batter, the latter, who is 
hitting from the right side of the plate, goes over to the left as the pitcher 
delivers the ball. The batter thinks it will be the fourth ball and keeps on 
toward first base. Is he not out under the rule which forbids the batter 
to go from one box to the other while the pitcher is in the act of deliver- 
ing the ball? 

He certainly is. He has no right to change his position on the theory 
that the pitcher is delivering a bad ball. He must wait until the umpire 
says it is Z bad ball. 



26 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

Walking into a pitched ball. 

Ratter is hit by pitched ball; opposing side claims he intentionally walked 
into ball and umpire calls it a strike. Should it be called a ball or should 
batter be called out or allowed to take his base? 

If batter swung at it or if it was over the plate and a fair pitch it 
would be a strike; otherwise a ball. Batter is not out for allowing ball 
to hit him, unless he does so in a manner to interfere with catcher making 
a play. 

Batter had already reached first safely, but was ambitious. 

With two hands out and a runner on second base the batter hits safely 
to right field. He is put out trying for a two-base hit, but the runner 
scores. Does the run count? 

It does, if the runner crossed home before the runner from first base 
to second base was put out. 

When a foul tip is not a foul tip. 

Batter had two strikes and two balls, the next ball delivered was fouled 
off, going on a direct line to the catcher, who could not get his hands up 
in time to stop it. Ball went between the chest protector and the 
catcher's body. Umpire said batter was entitled to another strike, as the 
ball was not legally caught. Was he right? 

Batsman was not out and was entitled to another chance to hit the ball. 
It was not a foul tip as defined by Rule 46, because it was not "legally 
caught." Section 3 of Rule 51, defining "When Batsman is Out," spe- 
cifically states under what conditions a batsman is out on a foul, but also 
makes the following exception: "Provided it be not caught in a fielder's 
cap, protector, pocket or other part of his uniform," etc. 

The umpire had read his rule book. 

Runner on third; man at bat tries to squeeze the runner home; he 
strikes at tlic ball and misses it; the ball hits the batsman and the runner 
on the way home is touched by the catcher. The umpire sends the runner 
back to third and calls a strike on the batter. Is this right? 

Sure. 

Catch finished it, so far as play from batter was concerned. 

Runners on first and third; with one out, batsman hits outfield fly, 
which IS caught; man on third scores after catch, but man on first is 
caught before he gets back, making third out on the play. Does run count? 

Run certainly counts if man from third crosses plate before play at 
first retiring the side is completed. 

Penalty goes, if there was contact between glove and ball. 

Infi.l.ler threw glove at batted ball; umpire gave runner three bases: 
Sot"^sto''"bT" ''''*""'"S Section 6, Rule 54, does not apply, as glove did 

Rule is in force if glove touched the ball, regardless of whether it stopped 
ball or not. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 27 

A strike is a strike, even if it is a foul tip. 

Can a base-runner steal second base when a foul tip is made which is 
also the second strike? 

He can, if the ball is caught, as a foul tip is a strike under the ruling 
laid down by the Rules Committee. 

The rule is not interpreted literally under these circum- 
stances. 

With two strikes against him the batter strikes at the next ball. Think- 
ing it is caught, he takes two steps toward the bench; then discovering 
that the catcher missed the ball, runs in safety to first base. Can he be 
called out for running out of the line? 

No; he was safe. 
Where the umpire was in error; batter was out. 

Batter hits line drive to pitcher, who stops the ball with one hand and 
it rolls a short distance and touches the umpire. The pitcher picks up the 
ball and throws the batter out at first, but the umpire calls the runner 
safe. Is that ruling correct? 

No. Read Rule 54, Section 1, as follows: "The base-runner shall be 
entitled without liability to be put out to advance a base if a fair hit ball 
strike the person or clothing of the umpire or a base-runner on fair ground 
before touching a fielder." The ball first touched a fielder and was at once 
in play and could be fielded upon recovery to any portion of the diamond. 
This rule has often been incorrectly interpreted. 

Plays hinging on the infield fly. 

Runners were on first, second and third bases, with one out; batter 
knocked infield fly, which umpire called while the ball was in the air; second 
baseman caught fly and tagged the runner at second, who was off the 
bag. Should this runner be called out, or was the play completed when 
umpire called "infield fly, batter out"? With a runner on first and second 
bases, the batter missed the last strike, which the catcher dropped, umpire 
calling batter out. Can a double play be rnade in such a case, that is, 
catcher to third to first, after missing last strike? 

Runner was out at second, the play being the same as on any other fly 
ball, except that batter is automatically out. Batsman is out (see Rule 51, 
Section 6) ; if the man on second base attempted to steal third on third 
strike and was touched out a double play could not be made on the theory 
that the runner on second is forced at third. The batsman is automatically 
out, removing the force. 

Umpire was not up on the rules. 

With runner on third, batter swings at ball but the catcher's glove was 
in the way of the bat and the bat hit the ball and the glove together, the 
ball rolling foul. The umpire allowed the runner to score from third. Was 
he right? * 

No. If the catcher interfered, the batter was allowed to take first base, 
but unless a force play followed, because runners were on third, second 
and first, the runner on third could not be allowed to advance. 



2 8 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

A sacrifice is such, no matter where the advancement of base- 
runner took place. 

Is a batter entitled to a sacrifice if he purposely advances the runner 
from second to third? 

Yes. The play is exactly the same as when the runner is advanced from 
first to second. 

What has third strike to do with third base? 

With a base-runner on third base the batter strikes out and the team in 
the field claims that the runner on third base is out and the batter safe 
because the third strike is dropped by the catcher. 

Nonsense. That is the wTong application of a rule which has nothing 
to do with third base but with first base. 

A foul tip is not a "foul." 

Two strikes on batter and on the next pitch he is out on a foul tip, held 
by the catcher; runner steals base on the strike-out, but umpire says he 
cannot advance on foul and sends him back. Was decision correct? 

Umpire was wrong; a foul tip is not a foul, but merely continuation of 
strike, and ball is still in play and bases can be run on it the same as if 
ball had not been tipped by bat. 

Once more the force play commands attention. 

Runner on first base and the batter bats the ball to the second baseman, 
who attempted to touch the runner from first between first and second. 
The runner stopped on the line, however, and the second baseman then 
threw the ball to the first baseman, retiring the batter. The first baseman 
then threw the ball to the shortstop at second base. The ball reached the 
shortstop ahead of the runner, but the fielder failed to touch the runner. 
Was the latter out and could he return to first under such a play? 

He was not out. He could return to first. The moment that the b«tter 
was put out at first there was no longer a f»rce play and the runner who 
had been at first was at liberty to go where he pleased, so long as he was 
not touched by some one who had the ball in his hand. There never can 
be a force play on the field after the batter is first put out. This seems 
to be the one question which bothers all young players and some old ones. 
It is argued about constantly, yet it must be evident that when the batter 
is retired base-runners can move at their will on the base lines. 

If two were out, it was a force at first. 

First and second bases occupied; batter strikes out and catcher lets third 
strike get away; hatter goes to first base, but neither of other runners left 
their bases. 

The rule is perfectly plain. If less than two were already out the batter 
is out, whether the catcher held the ball or not. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 29 

Runner certainly was entitled to return to first base. 

Runner on first base and batter hits grounder to pitcher; runner on first 
runs about two feet off first base. Pitcher throws the ball to first base- 
man, who touches his base and throws to second. Runner, instead of going 
to second, returns to first base. Was he entitled to do so? 

As soon as the batsman was retired at first base, the force play was 
lost and therefore the runner could return to first safely. 

Everyone can run, at his own risk, of course. 

Two men on base, second and third; one out. Batter receives four 
balls, but catcher misses last ball. Is the man on third entitled to score 
on passed ball or does he remain on third? 

Man on third is entitled to score on the passed ball, provided he can do 
so. If catcher misses fourth ball, runners on bases, as well as batsman 
who was passed, may go as far as they can. 

There was no force-out at home plate. 

Bases full, no one out and the third strike is called on batter; catcher 
drops ball but immediately picks it up and touches home plate, then tags 
batter and throws to first baseman, who tags first base-runner who is 
returning to first base; umpire calls batter out (I suppose by Rule 51, 
Section 6) and man tagged while not in contact with first base out; 
players in the field claimed three men out, third base-runner also, asserting 
that third base-runner was forced. 

Umpire was right; batsman and man caught off first base are out. 

Umpire should read Rule 59. 

With a runner on second and one on third and one out, a fly ball is 
batted to the left fielder. Runner on second starts for third. The runner 
on third holds the base until the b^l is caught and runs home. The 
coacher sends the runner back to second who had started for third. He is 
caught out at second for the third out. Before this takes place the runnv 
from third has reached home. Does his run count? The umpire said no. 

Yes. 
It was "love's labor lost"; some players never read the rules. 

With the bases filled and no one out, the catcher drops the ball and tries 
to throw the runner out at second base, but fails to do so. and the second 
baseman then tries to get the batter at first, but the umpire calls the batter 
out before leaving home plate. Is the umpire right? 

Most assuredly. The rule states explicitly that the batter is out if the 
catcher drops the ball unless there are two hands out. The catcher was 
foolish to throw the ball, evincing a lack of knowledge as to the rules, 
and the second baseman was equally at fault when he tried to retire the 
batter at first base. The latter was out the moment that he made the 
third strike, and the umpire was perfectly correct in his ruling. 



30 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

More about the infield fly rule. 

Runners on first and second; batted ball hits umpire and runner from 
second scores and runner from first goes to third; umpire calls batter safe 
and calls runners back to bases they started for. Runner on first; batter 
hits infield fly to second baseman, and runner from first was touched on 
second base; umpire calls this runner back to first base and batter out 
under infield fly rule. 

In the first instance umpire was right; there can be no advance further 
than to make room for the batter. In the second question umpire misin- 
terpreted infield fly rule, as is plain enough if rule is read. Batter was 
out if fly ball was caught and runner from first would be out if he left 
base before ball was caught. 

Note the words in italic. 

If a batsman in his box hits, a ball, which strikes fair, and the ball 
bounces up and hits him while he is still in his box, is the batsman out? 

No; foul ball. 

This is very plain; see Rule 51, Section 1. 

Smith bats in place of Jones and the umpire calls Smith out for batting 
out of turn and then allows Jones to bat. Is that right? 

No. Jones is out for not batting in proper turn. The proper batsman 
is always the one to be declared out in a batting-out-of-order play. 

This raised quite a controversy. 

In the first game of double header, when Chicago went to bat in the 
ninth inning Philadelphia was leading, 3 to 2. Mayer struck out one 
Chicago player in the ninth, then Schulte singled and Zimmerman doubled. 
Schulte stopped at third. Alexander was then substituted for Mayer. 
Under orders, Alexander walked Saier purposely, filling the bases. Then 
Williams hit to Luderus, who threw to the plate, forcing Schulte. Killifer 
tried for a double play, but Wiilliams beat his throw to first. Then 
Luderus threw to third in an attempt to catch Zimmerman off base. The 
throw was wild and Zimmerman and Saier both scored, winning the game 
for the Cubs. Phelan flied to Paskert. Who is charged with the defeat? 

The loss of the game is charged against Alexander. It was while Alex- 
ander was pitching that Saier reached first and eventually scored. The 
custom is that when a pitcher retires, leaving runners on bases, and these 
runners later score off the relieving pitcher, they must be charged up 
against the first pitcher. It would be manifestly unfair to ask the second 
pitcher to go in at a trying time and prevent the scoring of runners 
already on bases. While this was not exactly the position of play pre- 
sented in this game, nevertheless Alexander's responsibility began with 
the first batsman he pitched to and it was this batsman that did score the 
winning run. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Ji 

Runner out if the ball touches the ground in the hand of 
the first baseman but is securely held. 

In a game the ball was thrown to the first baseman by the shortstop to 
retire the base-runner. The first baseman dropped the ball, but, stooping 
quickly, held it in his hand, although the ball rested on the ground. Wa« 
the batsman base-runner out? 

This is a play which is best seen by the umpire to be judged cor- 
rectly. If the baseman firmly held the ball in his hand, even 
though the ball might rest on the ground, the batsman who had 
become a base-runner would be out. The umpire is the judge of the 
firmness with which the ball is held. 

Runner on third base is not privileged to score without 
liability to be put out because the batsman is auto- 
matically out on strikes. 

Runners are on first, second and third. No one out. The batsman strikes 
at the ball and misses it on the third strike and the catcher drops the ball. 
The runner on third base leaves the base and tries to score, but is tagged 
out by the catcher. The umpire allows this decision and also calls the 
batter out. Is he right? 

Yes. The runner on third base left the base at hi^ own risk. 
The batter was out under the rule governing such a case. The 
runner at third should have known the rule. 

Umpire must determine interference after a missed third 
strike. 

Runners on second and third bases, two out, third strike (batter swing- 
ing) missed by catcher, bat hits ball while still in the air after bounding 
from catcher's hands, rolls foul between first base and home plate. Run- 
ners score and batter goes to first. Is that right? 

If batter deliberately interfered he could be called out (Rule 56, 
Section 1). If he did not interfere deliberately, neither he nor 
runners are to be punished because catcher muffs ball. Umpire's 
judgment must prevail. 



No rule permits a base-runner to be 
deprived of possession of the base to 
which he is legally entitled. If a runner 
from first goes to second, and a runner 
who is entitled to second remains on 
that base, the latter cannot be put out 
and the runner from first be permitted 
to hold the base. It is the runner from 
first who can be touched out for not 
being on his base. 

This holds good of a like play on third 
base. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 33 



Problems of Base Running 

May not run bases in reverse order. 

Although there was no reason for so doing, Vut as a Joke, one of our 
players ran back to first base after he had touched second. Is there any 
penalty? 

Yes. In the future, however, there will be little of this fun, 

because a new section — section 2 — has been added to Rule 52, 

M'hich makes it possible to put the runner out. 

Substitute runner's status depends upon whether captain 
of team in field gave consent for him to run. 

First man at bat received a base on balls. After he had touched first 
base a runner was substituted for him. The runner reached third base 
later, but after he had arrived at third base it was his turn to bat. 
Could another runner be substituted for him? 

The runner first substituted, unless he were permitted to run by 
consent of the captain of the opposing team, was out of the game 
the moment that his term as substitute runner was fully completed. 
That would happen when he was put out or when his own side was 
put out. If the captain of the team in the field had granted per- 
mission to this substitute to run, from necessity he would b« com- 
pelled to follow this permission up by permitting him to bat while 
another runner took his place. All depends upon whether the cap- 
tain of the team in the field had given permission. 

It is against the rules to cut the bases while trying for a 
run. 

A base-runner is on second base and starts to steal third as the pitcher 
delivers the ball to the batsman. The latter hits a fly to the field. The 
runner who had started to steal third and had touched the base thinks the 
ball may be caught and attempts to retrace his way to second base. The 
fielder misses the fly ball and thereupon the runner, without trying to 
touch third base, again leaves the base line between second and third bases 
and goes home. The umpire called the runner safe, but could he do so in 
view of the fact that the runner had not retouched third base? 

The umpire in this instance was wrong. To score a run the 
bases must be touched continuously in legal order. The runner had 
not made his title legal to third base in the first place, because a 
play was in continuation by which he could have been put out. 
Rule 56, section 13, says the base-runner is out if, when advancing 
bases or forced to return to a base while the ball is in play, he fail 
to touch the intervening base or bases in the regular or reverse 
order. The ball was in play when he touched third base and to 
make his run legal it was necessary that he should return to third 
base and touch it again on hia way to home plate. He also ran 
outside the base line. 



J4 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
This is a puzzler to many, yet perfectly reasonable. 

With a runner on second and one on third, and no one out, runner on 
third tries to steal home and is caught between home and third, the runner 
from second goes to third and is touched by the third baseman while 
standing on third base. Who is entitled to the base? 

As soon as the preceding runner started to steal home, the runner from 
second secured a tentative right to third base, which protected him until 
the runner who had the legal right to that base returned to it. Hence, 
if both runners while on third base were touched with the ball, the runner 
from second would be out, for the reason that he had lost his tentative 
right to that base on the return to it of the preceding runner. 

Runner took all the risk. 

With a man on third and second, the runner on second, who had taken 
a lead toward third, was not given time enough to return to his base when 
the batter failed to hit the ball fair. He contended that he was entitled to 
go to third, which, of course, would have forced in a run. The rules 
state very clearly that a runner shall be entitled to take the succeeding 
base without being. put out in case the pitcher does not give him time to 
return to the base he had occupied. 

This rule regarding runners has been quite misunderstood in the above 
instance. The pitcher was foolish not to see that the runner had not 
returned to second, and if the runner continued to go to third he did so 
at his own risk. See Sec. 13 of Rule 56. 

Runner can take the chance. 

Are runners permitted to advance under the following circumstances: 
while first and second bases are occupied by runners before two men are 
out, the batter hits an infield fly which is not caught? 

The runners on first and second bases may advance at their own risk. 
After a batsman has been declared out on the infield fly, the play is just 
the same as any other fly ball. 

The "force rule" explained once more. 

One man out; runner on first base and runner on second base; pitcher 
throws to shortstop at second base,' base-runner at second sees he has no 
chance to get back, so he starts for third. While he is being run up and 
down the line the runner on first leaves that base and runs to second 
base, on which he stands. Center fielder comes in and stands beside him to 
lake part in the play, if necessary. Base-runner who has been on second 
IS returning to second, and ball is thrown to center fielder. As he catches 
the ball the runner coming back to the base falls. Center fielder touches 
the base-runner standing on second (the man who had come from first) 
and then steps oft the base and touches the base-runner who had been 
on second originally, as the latter is picking himself up. Umpire decides 
a double play. Is he correct? 

Under Rule 56, Section 9, runner was not out. He was entitled to 
second base until forced off by return of base-runner from third. This 
man could not be called out while standing on the base. If both runners 
were occupying second base, the runner from first would be the one to be 
declared out. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 35 

One runner cannot force the preceding runner off his base. 

Runners on second and third; batter hits to shortstop and runner from 
second goes to third, forcing runner off there; shortstop throws to plate 
and catcher, thinking it forced run, does not tag runner, but throws to first 
to catch batter; runner that had touched third goes back to second; umpire 
calls runner going from third to home out. Was he correct? Runners on 
second and third; runner on second forces runner off third base; this 
runner stops on line on way to plate, and catcher, who gets ball, thinks he 
has given up and throws ball to first base; runner then comes in and 
touches plate; umpire calls him out. Was he correct? 

To start with, get clear in your head that there has been no "force" of 
runner off third base in either case. One runner cannot force another 
off his base except to make room for the batter at first. In your first ques- 
tion the runner from third has legally scored, if he was not tagged, and the 
fact that he scores makes runner from second legal occupant of third base, 
provided he held base when runner that left it scored. In that case he 
has no right to run bases in reverse order and return to second and could 
be tagged out any place off third base. In the second case, there is no 
such thing as "giving up" on bases, and if runner coming in from third 
was not tagged his score counts. Umpire was wrong in both decisions. 

When a runner is out while standing on his base. 

With a runner on third, batter hits a slow bounding ball down third 
base line. Runner returns to and stands squarely on bag. The third base- 
man, realizing that he cannot retire the batter at first, allows the ball to 
roll, thinking it may go foul. The ball rolls to the third-base bag, hits 
it and, bounding up, strikes the runner, who is declared out under the 
rule of being hit by a batted ball. 

Under the provisions of Section 12 of Rule 56 base-runner was out. 
The fact that the runner is standing on the base does not alter the rule. 
For instance, three men might be on bases and two out and the runner 
standing on first or third might be hit with a fairly batted ball and prevent 
the fielder from making a play, thus scoring a run, which would certainly 
be wrong. 

No possible reason for calling the runners out in this case. 

Runners on first and second when batter hits foul; pitcher gets ball and 
steps behind plate, then throws over first base; runners, thinking the ball 
is in play with pitcher in position, advance one base each on his bad 
throw; first baseman returns ball to pitcher, who steps into position and 
then throws ball to first and second; one umpire calls runners out and the 
other umpire sends them back to bases. 

The umpire who sent runners back to bases originally held is the one 
who gave the only sensible decision. Ball was not in play until held by 
pitcher in position and "play" called by umpire behind plate. Whatever 
an erratic pitcher may have done with the ball before it is in play does not 
matter unless the umpire wants to fine him for delaying the game. 



36 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

Basc-runner struck by thrown ball while running him down. 

Base-runner is caught between first and second; in running him down, 
as he nears second base, the ball is thrown to the second baseman, but it 
strikes the runner on the back of the neck, stunning him, so that he falls 
over second base, where he is touched by the second baseman, and called 
out by the umpire; runner maintains he is not out, as time should have 
been called by the umpire immediately upon his being knocked out. 

If he was on the base he was safe; if not, he was o«t. 

Runner is out, but it is a base hit for batsman. 

Three men on bases, with two out. Batter hits the ball, which hits the 
base-runner, off third, making three out. Is the batter to be credited with 
a hit? 

Rule Is plain on the point, and says: "In all cases where a base-runner 
is retired by being hit by a batted ball, unless batted by himself, the 
batsman should be credited with a base hit." 

Stupid base running causes a lot of trouble. 

Runners on second and third when batter hit a home run. Runner from 
second failed to touch third base, and when the ball was held 9n the base 
the umpire called him out and also called out the player who hit the home 
run for passing the preceding base-runner. Was umpire right? 

No. The player who made the home run had no knowledge that the 
runner from second had failed to touch third base. The decision at third 
base could not have been except on appeal. Read Rule 57. The man 
who failed to touch third base came within the "legally put out" clause 
the moment that he failed to touch the base. In other words, he was 
automatically legally put out when he did fail to touch the base. Yet if 
the opposing side did not claim the put out it could not be made, which 
protects the man making the home run. Conversely, the side at bat could 
score because a run could not be decided as not having scored when it 
was uncertain that the neglect of the runner to touch third base had been 
observed by either side. 

Runner must actually touch the plate. 

If in sliding to home plate the base-runner should not be touched out by 
the catcher and at the same time should roll over the catcher's body, 
which is over home plate, is the runner out if the catcher can tag him 
before he can get his foot or some part of his body on home plate? 

He is. 

Slide head foremost or feet foremost. 

Is base runner jtenuitted to slide either head foremost or feet foremost 
at will? 

Yes. hut feet foremost i- hct'er l);m).-er to arm sliding head foremost. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 37 

Runner can turn in •ither direction. 

Runner on third, two out; fcatt«r gste a hit and runner from third scores, 
but batter after reaching first saie}y turns wrong way and ball is put on 
him. Does run count? 

There is no such thing as runner Uurniag wrong way after overrunning 
first. He can return to first no matter which way he turns, so long as he 
does not attempt to advance. In any event, the run would count, presum- 
ing it had crossed the plate before batter had been put out after reaching 
first safely and he could only be put out under circumstances stated. 



Runner should not be penalized if umpire is hit. 

Runner attempted to steal second base; catcher's throw hits umpire and 
umpire sends runner back to first. Was decision right? Runner attempts 
to steal third; catcher's throw hits bat of batter, who is in his box; umpire 
sends runner back to second. Was this decision right? 

Thrown ball that hits umpire is still in play and umpire who sent runner 
back was wrong. If there was no interference on p«rt of batter would 
ho4d this a bad th»ow on paat of catcher, just as if he had hit a runner. 
If batter interfered and was at iauh be would be out and runner would 
be sent back. 

Carelessness of base-runner robs batter of credit for a hit. 

Runner on first base, batter triples, man on first scores, but is called 
out for cutting second. Does batter get credit for a hit? 

If there were two out when batter tripled, he cannot be credited with 
the hit. Base-runner's failure to touch second was same as though he had 
been forced out at that base. In case no one, or but one, was out, then 
credit would be given for the hit, as only a man who was on base could 
be declared out for his failure to touch second. 



Batter must become a base-runner to start a force play. 

A runner is on third base and a runner on second base. The runner on 
second base leads too far off the base and the runner from third tries to 
score. The second baseman throws the ball to the catcher, who stands on 
home plate, but does not try to touch the runner from third, who succeeds 
in returning to that base. Is not the runner from third base out, because 
he is forced, and is it not true that the catcher does not have to touch 
him? 

The runner from third base is not forced, and if he is to be put out 
he must be touched by the ball in the hand of the catcher. If he succeeds 
in returning to third base without being touched, and if the runner from 
second base returns to that base without being touched, neither of them is 
out. No force play can result in base ball except that it begins by the 
batter becoming a base-runner. 



38 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

Steal is allowed on a foul tip. 

If the batter makes a foul tip and the base-runner on first has stolen 
second at the same time is the steal allowed? 

It is. A foul tip caught by a catcher is the equivalent of a strike. 

This rule seems to vex almost all young players. 

A base-runner running from second to home on a two-base hit goes more 
than three feet outside of the base line between third base and home. 
Should he not be called out? 

The runner is never out on such a play for running out of line unless he 
runs out of line to avoid a fielder who stands on the baseline waiting to 
touch him with the ball. When a man is going at top speed from second- 
base to home it is simply impossible for him to remain within a three- foot 
line. What seems to mislead almost all in regard to this rule (Rule 56, 
Section 7) is that they overlook this clause: "He runs more than three feet 
from a direct line between a base and the next one in regular or reverse 
order to avoid being touched by a ball in the hands of a fielder." If it is 
not done to avoid a fielder, the runner can gallop as hard as he likes in a 
wide circle to try to get his run over the plate. As a matter of fact — and 
it is a point young base-runners should bear in mind — the greater the detour 
the runner makes, the more he is handicapping himself. The closer he can 
adhere to the circuit of the bases, the less ground he has to cover. 

Base runner is entitled to the next base. 

If there should be a runner on first base who started to steal second as 
the fourth ball was about to be pitched and who was touched by the 
second baseman before he could touch second base after the umpire had 
announced "ball four," would the base-runner be out? 

No; when the fourth ball is announced it entitles the runner on first 
to second base. 

Can the coacher make believe to run from third base to 
home plate? 

No. See Rule 56, Sec. 19. 

This is a query that is often asked. 

Can the runner turn either side of first base when running from home 
plate? 

Yes, unless he makes a direct turn toward second and gives indication 

of trying to make that base. In that event he is subject to being put out. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 39 

Runner may start the instant ball touches fielder's hands, 
regardless of juggling. 

Runner on third, one man out, batter hits a fly ball to left field, which 
both left and center fielder go after. Left fielder makes the play, but as 
the ball strikes his hands he stumbles, and the ball is knocked out of hia 
hands into the air. The center fielder completes the catch by getting the 
ball before it reaches the ground. The runner on third held his base 
until the ball struck the hands of the left fielder, then started for the 
plate. The center fielder, after making the catch, threw the ball to the 
third baseman, who touched that base, and the team in the field then 
made the claim for a double play on the ground that the runner on third 
had left that base before the actual completion of the catch. Does thp 
run count? 

The run certainly does count. The base-runner must hold his 
base on a fly ball until a fielder j?ets the ball in his hands, which 
the runner on third did. The fact that the play was not actually 
completed until the center fielder made the catch does not enter into 
the Controversy. If such were the case, fielders could make a prac- 
tice of manipulating every fly ball that was hit to them, greatly to 
the advantage of the team in the field. In connection with this 
problem, it may be added that a definite rule has been made per- 
mitting the runner to leave a base the instant a fly ball touches 
an outfielder's hands. 

Base-runner on returning to his original base must touch 
each intervening base in order. 

Runner on first attempts a steal of second, and gets away to a good 
lead. The batter gets mixed on his signals, and hits a long fly to left 
field. The batsman noting this, checks up his intended slide, and in 
rounding second on his way to third, finally decides the fielder will be 
able to make the catch. In retracing his steps he fails to touch second 
on his way back to first. He gained no ground, simply overstrided the 
bag. The ball was thrown to s(>cond and the runner declared out, when 
the fielder touched that base with the ball in his possession. Was that 
the proper decision? 

It certainly was, for in such a case as you have cited the runner 
must touch all intervening bases on his way back to his original 
base. 

Player must have ball in his possession to block a runner 
legally off a base. 

Runner on second, batter singles to right field, and runner attempts to 
score on the liit. The catcher blocks the plate, and the runner slides into 
him, while the ball is still some distance away. Despite frantic efforts 
on the part of the runner, he is unable to reach tlie plate, although within 
about six inches of it all the time. In the meantime the ball arrives, and 
the catcher touches the runner. What is the proper ruling on the play? 

The runner should have been declared safe. The catcher has 
no right te block off the runner without having the ball in his 
possession. ^ 



40 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

Running across the base line with the ball in a fielder's 
hand does not retire a base-runner by a presumable force 
play. 

If a fielder with the ball in his hand runs across a base line ahead of a 
runner who is trying to advance from one base to another, can the runner 
be declared out on a force play? 

A base-runner may not be put out in this manner and the query 
which came from the Far West is not so extraordinary as it may 
seem. There has been an opinion of this nature held by heritage of 
custom of long ago. It is due to improvised rules which were made 
for "two old cat" and "town ball" and very likely the idea insinu- 
ated itself into Base Ball because of local desire. 

Runners score ahead of home run in final inning. 

I have read the new rule in regard to making a home run in the last 
half of the final inning of any game. Do I understand that all of the 
runners who are on bases, provided there are any, must score ahead of 
the batter, even if more runs are to be made than the actual one which 
wins for the team last at bat? 

That is the correct understanding. If the score is 2 to 1 in 
favor of the team which was first at bat when their half of the 
tinal inning is pl.'iyed and then three runners for the team second 
at bat should get on bases, and the next batter should make a 
homo run, all of the runners as well as the batter would score. 
Thiit would make the score 5 to 2 in favor of the team last at bat 
in the final inning. Be sure to note that all of the runners as 
well as the batter must touch the bases in regular order. Penalty 
for failure to touch the bases in regular order would be enforced 
as at any other stage of a gam*. 

Base-runner's right to score from third base with bases 
filled when batsman is given base on balls. 

The bases are filled, two men out, when the batter receives a base on 
balls. Of course, that really ended the ball game, as it was the last 
half of the ninth, with the score a tie. In their excitement over the 
finish, the runner on third, after getting to within thirty feet of the 
plate, started for his bench, and the batsman, after running half way 
down the line, started for the bench. Meml>ers of the team at bat rushed 
out and told the runner originally on third to go back and touch the 
plate; also made the batsman go to first. The team in the field kicked 
long and loud on allowing the run, insisting that either one of the two— 
In fact, lx)th— were really out for running out of the line. The umpire 
allowed the run. Was he correct in the ruling? 

The umpire ruled correctly in allowing the run. When the bats- 
man received a base on balls it entitled him to first, and all run- 
ners to advance one base. It is impossible to take away something 
to whick you are entitled in Base Ball, hence it would have been 
wrong to have called either man out, even though they did not 
follow the straight and narrow path direct to the next base. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 41 

Run cannot score on third out in which the batter did not 
reach first base. 

Two out and mimer oa second; batter bits for two bases, but "cuts flnt 
base; ball is returned to that base and umpire calls runner out and says 
run from second does not count. Is decision correct? 

The run does not count. 

After a fielder has had a chance to make a play on the 
ball, collision with a base-runner does not constitute in- 
terference. 

Runner on second, one man out, batter hits a ball to the shortstop's 
right. The runner on second doesn't believe the shortstop will be able to 
make the play and tries for third. The shortstop manages to knock the 
ball down, but it bounds away. In going after the ball, the shortstop 
collides with the base-runner, knocking the fielder down, but the runner 
was able to continue on his way. The runner after reaching third, con- 
tinued on his way to the plate, while the batsman reached second base. 
What was the proper ruling? Should the runner have been declared out 
for interference, and the batsman only allowed to take first base? 

If a fielder, who always has the right of way, is interfered with 
by a base-runner, he should always be called out because of the 
interference. In the case you have cited, however, there was no 
Interference, because the fielder had his chance to make a play on 
the ball. 

First baseman could have touched bag and did not need 
to throw to catcher. 

Runner on first base; batter bits short fly to second baseman, who pur- 
posely drops it; runner stays on first and batter stops on his way to base; 
second baseman recovers ball and throws to first bn soman, who tags run- 
ner on base, then throws to catcher, who runs down and tags the batter. 
What is the decision? 

Both are out. 

Base-runner may turn either way after passing first base 
and return to first without liability to be put out, pro- 
viding he does not attempt to go to second. 

What are the rights of a base-runnar after he passes first base? Can 
he turn to either the right or left? Must the turn be made in foul terri- 
tory? Did a base-runner at any time, under the old rules, forfeit his 
right to first base, if he turned to the left? 

A base-runner can turn either to the right or left, without for- 
feiting his right to the base. The only move that makes him liable 
to be put out is to make a break in the direction of second base. 
The runner can make the turn in either foul or fair territory, it 
makes no difeerence. At one time under the rules a player made 
himself liable to be put out if he turned to the left. Memory of 
that rule gtill is retained and undoubtedly is the reason why so 
many believe no runner may turn to the left. 



Changes in the pitching rules adopted in 
1920 were intended to end "for good and 
all" every kind of "freak" delivery. Base 
ball, a rational game, had given latitude 
to pitchers to deface and injure one of 
the two principal playing adjuncts of 
that game. This had made the ball a 
mechanical contrivance, varying in flight 
as it was mistreated, and not an imple- 
ment of sport for sport's sake. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 43 



Problems of Pitching 

How to rule when a pitched ball strikes the ground before 
it reaches the batsman. 

Pitcher delivers the ball to the batsman. It strikes about six feet in 
front of the plate, then bounds over the heart of the plate, waist high. 
Was it a ball or a strike? Would it have been perfectly proper for the 
batter to have swung at such a ball? If the ball struck the batsman, 
WQuld he have been entitled to first base, if the moment the ball struck 
the ground the umpire called it a ball? 

The moment the ball struck the ground six feet in front of the 
plate, there was no longer a chance of it being a strike. It surely 
would have been perfectly proper for the batsman to have hit the 
ball. In ruling the pitch a ball, the moment it struck the ground, 
the umpire was in error. He should have waited for the comple- 
tion of the pitch, which was when the ball passes the batter. When 
tke ball hit the batsman he was entitled to first base. 

Inception of a play starts with the wind-up of the pitcher. 

The score is 9 to 1 in favor of the team in the field, and it is the first 
half of the ninth, with two down. The batter singles, and since his run 
means nothing he is allowed to steal second and third without any atten- 
tion being paid to his efforts. He Avas urged to steal home, and as the 
pitcher started his wind-up he made a break for the plate. At the time 
there was two balls and one strike ou the batter. The pitcher, to add to 
the foolishness of the situation, kept on winding up as the runner raced 
for the plate. The runner reached the plate, and was on hi? way to the 
bench, before the pitcher finally delivered the ball. If the batter had 
allowed it to pass, there would have been no question as to the legality 
of the run. He chose to hit the ball and went out on a fly to left field. 
Does the run count? 

Even though the runner was over the plate in safety, and on his 
way to the bench, before the ball ever left the pitcher's hands, the 
run does not count. A run cannot score on a third out, in which 
such out is a fly ball that is caught. The inception of the play 
that retired the side was the start of the wind-up, so that the run- 
ner actually crossed the plate on a ball that was finally hit to the 
outfield for a third out. 

Pitcher must not wind-up without pitching the ball unless 
he steps off pitcher's plate. 

With a runner on first base the pitcher starts his customary wind-up. 
Instead of delivering the ball to the batsman he throws to first base and 
the runner is caught at second base. Does the pitcher's action come under 
the head of a balk? 

It does. The wind-up is one of the customary motions which he 
uses to deliver the ball. A customary pitching motion not followed 
by the actual delivery of the ball to the batsman is a balk, unless 
the pitcher voluntarily steps off the plate. 



44 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

If pitcher feints to catch a runner, first base is the only 
base to which he must complete his throw. 

Is it necessary that the pitcher throw the ball to third base or to second 
base when he makes a feint to catch a runner napping at either of the 
two bases mentioned? 

It is not necessary that the pitcher complete the throw to second 
or third bases, when making a feint in either direction. All that is 
necessary is that he step toward the base at which he is consider- 
ing making a play. 

Pitcher is differently penalized for the same fault, all de- 
pending upon existing conditions. 

Ig it possible for a pitcher to suffer different penalties for the same 
Infraction of a pitching rule? That is, can a certain faulty delivery 
under certain conditions be called a ball and under other conditions be 
ruled a balk? 

Yes, it is possible for a certain infraction of the pitching rules 
to draw different penalties, according to the conditions that exist. 
For instance, if a pitcher deliver a ball to the batter without 
having one foot in contact with the rubber, such an infraction is 
simply called a ball, provided there are no runners on the bases. 
With a runner or runners on the bases, the delivering of the ball 
to the batsman without having one foot in contact with the rub- 
ber, is ruled a balk, and all runners are entitled to advance one 
base. 

Play is automatically suspended when balk is called. 

Runner on first base. Pitcker, after making several efforts t« catch 
him napping, pulls a move that the umpire rules a balk and so declares. 
Not heeding the ruling, the pitcher delivers the ball to the batsman, aad 
he hits for three bases, scoring the runner from first. What is the prop«r 
ruling? 

The moment the umpire declared a balk, play was suspended and 
no attention should be paid to any action on the part of the bats- 
man. The runner on first was entitled to second under the balk, 
but had no right to score. The batsman who tripled should have 
been made to bat again. 

Pitcher must step off rubber when trying to catch runner 
stealing home. 

If a runner attempts to steal home, while the pitcher is standing on the 
rubber without having made any motion to pitch, is it possible for th« 
pitcher to make a play on that runner at the plate? 

If the pitcher has not started his delivery, all he need to do is 
back off the rublter, and then he has the same right to make a 
play at home as at any other base. If he remains on the rubber 
and throws the ball to the plate, it is a legal delivery, at which 
the batsman has the right to swing if he desires. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 45 
Penalty for a wild pitch. 

Base-runner on first; pitcher makes a wild pitch and ball strikes home 
plate, bounds on top of grandstand, strikes wire netting at back of stand, 
rolls around roof and then drops into playing field. I claim ball had left 
playing field and Is out of play and that base-runner is entitled to two 
bases under the rule. Is that correct? 

If there was any ground rule that gave the runner two bases be 
was entitled to them, as the ball is always out of play on a wild 
pitch. 

"Hidden ball" penalized. 

Has the pitcher the right to stand on the pitcher's plate, as if he meant 
to pitch, but without the ball in his possession? 

No. Section 7, Rule 34, states explicitly that if the pitcher takes 
a legal position on the rubber without the ball in his possession, 
regardless of whether he makes any motion to pitch or not, it is a 
balk. A balk advances each base-runner and, in addition to that, 
the ball is dead. Should a pitcher try the old "hidden ball" trick 
with the score even and a runner on third base his foolishness 
would lose the game for his side. 

Dead ball if ball hits bat accidentally. 

The pitcher threw a fast inshoot at which the batter dodged and in 
dodging he threw up his bat. The ball passed over the batter's head but 
struck his bat and fell foul. What is the ruling? 

Before the changes were made in the rule code this would have 
been a strike if the batter did not have two strikes when the ball 
hit his bat. Now it is a dead ball, providing the batter dodged 
the ball for safety. 

Pitcher may step off plate. 

May the pitcher step off the plate after being in position because per- 
spiration trickling into his eyes temporarily blinds him? 

He may. The umpire should call "Time." He may also step off 
the plate to dry his hands. This becomes necessary when a game 
is played in a heavy mist or a light shower. 



Balk if pitcher drops ball. 

With a runner on first base the pitcher in the act of delivering the ball 
to the batsman dropped it. What is the ruling? 

It is a balk under the new rules. It is also a balk if he drop 
the ball in the act of throwing it to first base. There is no balk 
penalty jf the ball is dropped in the act of delivering it to the 
batter when there is no one on bases, since the batter never 
advances to first base on a balk. 



46 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

Strike even if pitcher is off plate. 

The pitcher was not standing on his plate, but, as much for fun as 
anything else, delivered the ball to the bat and the batter swung at .it. 
The umpire called a strike. The batter said it could not be a strike 
unless the pitcher were on the plate. 

The umpire was right.' It is a strike. If the batter had batted the 
ball to the shortstop and the shortstop had thrown it to first base the 
batter would have been out if the ball had reached the base before him. 
Also, if he made a safe hit it would have counted as a safe hit. 

This was a prize "bone" play on part of pitcher. 

Batter hits ball to pitcher, runs towards first base and then stops. The 
pitcher, forgetting to throw to first base, steps on the rubber, facing the 
next batter. The runner, seeing this, continues to first base after he has 
stepped outside of the three-foot limit. Is he out if he reaches first base 
before the ball is thrown there? 

No. He is plainly within the rule and the pitcher is wholly at fault for 
not making the play correctly. 

Any motion to deceive a base runner is a balk. 

If the pitcher should make a motion with his knee, which is similar to 
that which he makes when he is about to pitch the ball, should the umpire 
call a balk against him? 

The umpire certainly should. Any motion which tends to deceive a base- 
runner should be punished at once by the umpire. 

Pitcher taken out with two balls on batter. 

In fourth inning pitcher becomes wild and after filling bases on passes 
has two balls on fourth batter, when manager orders him out; umpire 
refuses to let him leave position, telling manager he must dispose of man 
at bat before he can be relieved. 

Umpire was wrong. Rule says pitcher must dispose of his first batter 
upon going into game and this pitcher had disposed of three already in this 
inning. 

Where a pitcher makes a motion to throw to second base. 

Can the pitcher turn toward second and make a motion to throw without 
a balk being charged against him. 

Yes. 
Only the base-runners can advance on a balk. 

Does the batter go to first when the umpire declares a balk? 
No. Only the base-runners can advance on a balk. 

The pitcher performed his part and should get credit. 

WTien batsman reaches first base after catcher drops the third strike is 
the pitcher credited with a strike out in his record, although the catcher 
is charged with an error? 

The pitcher is credited with a strike-out. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 47 

The most deliberate kind of a balk. 

Runners on second and third; pitcher makes motion to throw to batter, 
al s to throw to third, but does not throw to either; umpire calls runner 
in from third and scores him. Was he right? 

It was a balk and runner scores from third and runner on second 
advances to third. 

In this case it was not a balk, but a catcher can make one 
under certain circumstances. 

Runner on third base, pitcher delivers ball to the batsman as the runner 
starts to steal home. The catcher steps outside his box and receives the 
ball. The batsman makes no attempt to strike at the ball but blocks the 
catcher as the latter tries to touch the runner. The team at bat claims 
that the runner scores because the catcher balked. What should the 
decision be? 

If the batsman clearly interfered with the catcher the runner is out 
under Rule 56, Section 15, which reads: "The base-runner is out if with 
one or no one out and a base-runner on third base, the batsman inter- 
feres with a play being made at home plate." It has erroneously been 
asserted that the catcher cannot make a balk. He can assist a balk, but 
not on this play. Rule 34, Section 9, reads: "Delivery of the ball to 
the bat when the catcher is standing outside the lines of the catcher's posi- 
tion as defined in Rule 3." This rule is meant to apply to an instance 
where the catcher would stand outside of his position in order that a bats- 
man might purposely be given first base on four called balls. 

Pitcher finishing the game figures as the winner— or loser— 
as the case may be. 

If a pitcher is taken out of the game with the score a tie and another 
pitcher finishes the game which is won by his team, does he get credit 
for the victory? 

He does, even if tke game lasts but an inning longer. This point has 
been incorrectly ruled upon, on the theory that because a pitcher is in 
the game nine innings he should receive credit for the game because he 
goes out when it is a tie. However, the pitcher who is compelled to take 
his place is as likely to lose the game in one inning, perhaps, as he is to 
win it, so that all things being equal he must receive credit for a victory 
as he would be penalized for a defeat. 

Some pitchers get away with what clearly resembles a balk. 

Is a Ditcher compelled to stand perfectly still while in position to pitch 
or else be charged with a balk? If not, what movements can he make? 

The only restriction is that he shall not make any motions that are part 
of his delivery. It. depends largely upon the peculiarities of each pitcher 
in his delivery. 



No umpire can be too familiar with the 
rules and all umpires will find it worth 
while to read them over every now and 
then, to be assured that the mind is fully 
in touch with all points. The Field 
Umpire has more authority now than he 
had when the position was created. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 49 



Problems in Umpiring 

Umpire's duty in case of injury. 

With the score a tie in the last half of the ninth, and two out, the 
batsman hits a long line drive to right center. Both the right and cen- 
ter fielders make a try for the hit, and either might have made the 
catch, had it not been for the interference of the other. The right fielder 
got his hands on the ball, but the moment it struck his hands the center 
fielder collided with him and both pla.vers dropped to the ground uncon- 
scious. The ball continued on its way towards the fence. At the moment 
the ball struck the fielder's hands, the batsman was midway between flret 
and second. It was apparent both players were badly hurt. The crowd, 
as well as the players in the field, insisted that time be called. The 
left fielder recovered the ball and relayed it to the plate, but the batter 
made the circuit easily. Was it proper to allow the run? 

It did seem wrong to allow play to continue, but the umpire 
under the rules could not do otherwise. Play can only be sus- 
pended when all chance for action ceases. If the umpires called 
time every time a player was injured, it would only be a short 
while when all would be feigning injury when it would be to 
their advantage. 

Failure to announce substitutes does not affect plays. 

If the umpire fails to announce a substitute because the captain of the 
team on wliich the substitution took place forgot to tell him, are tlie plays 
in which that player engaged illegal? 

No. The rules now provide distinctly that whether the substi- 
tuted player is a batter, fielder, catcher, or pitcher, each play in 
which be toolc part is legal, even if the umpire did fail to make an 
announcement. 

The umpire and a thrown ball. 

When the umpire is hit by a thrown ball does it make any difference 
whether he is on fair or foul territory? Is there any way in which a 
thrown ball can be ruled dead and no bases advanced by contact of the 
ball with the umpire? ? 

A thrown ball is always in play whether it strikes the umpire 
on fair or foul territory. Base-runner, or runners, shall be entitled 
to all the bases they can make. When the umpire is stationed 
back of the bat, the ball becomes dead and runners return to their 
original bases, if the person or clothing of the umpire interfere 
with the catcher in an attempt to throw. 

Dead ball not fourth ball if bat is accidentally hit. 

The ball accidentally hit the bat of the player at bat. It should have 
been the fourth ball in the sequence of delivery. What was the right 
decision? 

The umpire should have called it a dead ball. So far as strikes 
and balls were concerned it was nothing. 

It is presumed that the ball was a wild pitch. If not, and the 
ball had rolled fair, it might have been a hit. 



50 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Protector did not help the catcher. 

With two strikes on batter, pitcher delivers ball, which batter foula. 
It strikes the catcher squarely on the protector and bounds into the air. 
The catcher managed to regain possession of the ball before it touched the 
ground. The umpire ruled the batter out. The manager of the team at 
bat protested against the decision, claiming the catcher had been aided 
in making the catch by the protector. 

Since the ball struck the catcher's protector squarely, and 
then bounded directly ol¥ same into the air and was recovered by 
the catcher before touching the ground, the umpire ruled cor- 
rectly. If the ball had caught in the protector, and held mo- 
mentarily, it would have been different, as in such a case the pro- 
tector would have aided in making the catch and the batter would 
not have been out. In all the cases the rebound must be direct. 

Ground rules should always be definite. 

An overflow crowd makes a ground rule necessary. A badly thrown bali 
is apt to go into the crowd. It is agreed that on such throws runners 
shall be entitled to one base aside from the one to which they are going. 
There is a runner on first, the pitcher catches him napping off of first 
base but throws the ball into the crowd. The team in the field contends 
that the runner was going back to first to avoid being caught, and, as he 
was going back to first, he Avas only entitled to one base, which would 
send him to second. The team at bat contended the moment the runner 
was caught he started for second and was entitled to go to third. Is 
this a good rule? 

The base to which you are going and one additional base on an 
overthrow is always a bad rule. It always causes a dispute as to 
which way the runner was actually headed. A much better rule 
is simply two additional bases from the one occupied at the start 
of the play. 

When umpire calls time players colliding. 

In a collision on the base lines the ball was diverted to one side and 
two runners scored from second and third. The side in the field said the 
umpire should have called "Time" and not permitted more than one to 
score. Is there a rule to govern this? 

Yes. Rule 74. section 2, says : "In case of accident to a player 
or players in attempting to make a play on either a batted or 
thrown ball, 'Time' shall not be called until, in the judgment of 
the umpire, no further play is possible." If two runners had an 
opportunity to score, he could not rule against them. 

When fair ball hits umpire on foul ground. 

A hit on fair ground after it passed third base rolled foul and struck 
an umpire who was watcliing u play. The side in the field insisted the 
ball was dead and base-runners must hold their bases. Were they right? 

No. In Rule 54, section 1, it explicitly states that if the ball 
fairly hit strike the \nin>ir<- on foul ground, the ball shall be con- 
sidered in i)la\ 



SPALDING'S A THLE TIC LIBRAE Y S ^ 
Umpire to determine batted ball hitting runner. 

The ball, after being hit by the batter, passed the shortstop and hit 
the runner back of the shortstop. The umpire called the runner out. 
although It looked as if the shortstop should have handled the ball Was 
the decision right? 

This is a matter of judgment on the part of the umpire. If he 
were satisfied that the. shortstop should have handled the ball he 
should not have called the runner out. On the other hand, if 
satisfied that the hit might have been safe, so far as fielding was 
concerned, the runner should have been called out. 

Umpire must rule on "freak" delivery without appeal. 

Must the umpire enforce the new rules which have been adopted to 
eliminate the "freak" pitching? I mean, is it necessary that he shall 
enforce the rule without an appeal from the side at bat? 

The umpire is expected to enforce the rule without appeal and, 
more than that, if there are two umpires, the Field Umpire has 
the same jurisdiction over the "freak" deliveries as the Umpire-in- 
Chief. It will keep both of them busy, but ultimately it is safe to 
say that "freak" deliveries will be dropped from the game. The 
pitchers will learn to depend upon their personal skill as opposed 
to "freak" pitching. 

The umpire is not to act as a coacher. 

Is the Field Umpire permitted to tell base-runners when and when not to 
run? 

He is not. The Field Umpire is a judge of play and not a coach 
of the players. 

Umpire may make ground rule when the captains of the 
teams do not agree on one. 

There is an overflow crowd which fringes the playing field. The captain 
of the home team proposes a ground rule to the umpire that all balls hit 
into the crowd shall be good for three bases. Such a rule is not accept- 
able to the visiting captain, who believes such, a hit does not merit more 
than two bases. The two captains are deadlocked. What should the 
umpire do in such a case? 

The rules give the umpire the right to make a special rule in 
case the captains cannot agree, and his decision shall be final. 

Umpire renders a decision on a balk without appeal being 
made. 

Does the team at bat have to make an appeal to the umpire when it is 
believed that the pitcher has committed a balk? 

It is not necessary for an appeal on a balk. The umpire, if he 
believes a balk has been committed, always immediately calls It. 
The fact that the team at bat always raises a protest, if they be- 
lieve a pitcher has made a balk, has caused many people to be- 
lieve that an appeal must be made for a balk ruling. 



52 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

When the Umpire-in- Chief was justified in asking the Field 
Umpire for information. 

With a base-runner on second base the batsman tapped the ball in front 
of the plate on fair ground. He started to run to first base and ran into 
the ball. I did not see it. Players of the fielding side raised the question 
as to whether the batsman was out. I asked the Field Umpire for infor- 
mation and after he had related the circumstances I declared the batter 
out and sent the runner back from third base to second base. Did 1 do 
right? 

Yes. The rules Rave you permission to ask for information and 
the rules also make it imperative that any runner who may have 
advanced under such conditions be sent back to the base which he 
had left. 

When players are ordered from the field by the umpire and 
refuse to depart. 

The Field Umpire in a game in which a local champiODShlp was at stake 
ordered two players to leave the field. They refused to do so and defied 
him to put them off. They continued to play and the umpire said nothing 
further to them. What should he have done? 

The rules give the Field Umpire right to remove players from 
the field, but do not permit him to forfeit a game. When the play- 
ers who had been notified to leave the playing field refused to depart 
the Field Umpire should have notified the Umpire-in-Chief. The 
latter had it within his power to forfeit the game because of diso 
bedience on the part of the players in question. If there had been 
a mistaken ruling on the part of the Field Umpire the Umpire-in- 
Chief could have consulted with his assistant and decided according 
to the outcome of the consultation. The Umpire-in-Chief would 
sustain the Field Umpire to preserve discipline, and no matter 
what the outcome of a consultation might be the players who were 
ordered from the field should have departed immediately, to conform 
to the rules for sportsmanlike Base Ball. If they believed that a 
rule had been misinterpreted they could appeal to their captain for 
Justice. 

Umpire is asked to make a decision by the team in the field 
on three different plays. 

On what play or plays is it necessary for the team in the field to make 
an appeal to the umpire for a decision? 

In a batting-out-of-order play it is necessary that the team in the 
field make an appeal that the proper batsman be declared out, 
before a ball is pitched to the next batter. In all plays where a 
base-runner misses a base, it is necessary that a player with the 
bull in his possession touch the base which he misses or the player 
and ask for a ruling. Also when a base-runner leaves a base before 
the ball is caught. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY S3 
Ball is in play even when it hits an umpire. 

While runner is trying to steal second the catcher throws the ball and 
hits the umpire. The latter sends the runner back to first. Was he right V 

No. The ball is in play. 

Umpire may not enforce penalty if thrown glove does not 
hit ball. 

Suppose an infielder throws his glove at the ball, but does not hit it. 
Is the penalty still to be enforced'/ 

No. If the ball has not been interfered with, there is no penalty. 

In regard to the method to be employed by the umpire to 
suspend play. 

Is it possible for the umpire to suspend play unless he actually calls out 
the word "Time"? 

He should say "Time," if he can articulate. However, if he 
should put up his arm during an uproar, or if in some other way 
that is plainly manifest, he should make it evident that play was 
to cease,, the intent of the rule would have been observed. Fre- 
quently, not half of the players on a ball field hear an umpire when 
he^calls "Time," but take it for granted by indications that "Time" 
has been called. 

When umpire working back of catcher interferes with 
catcher, play is automatically suspended. 

Runner on first attempts a steal of second. The umpire working back 

of the plate interferes with the catcher in making the throw, the ball 

going to right field, runner reaching third base. What is th3 proper 
ruling? 

On all such plays where the umpire interferes with the catcher, 
play is immediately suspended and no bases run. The runner who 
advanced to third on the bad throw should be sent back to first. 

How umpire should handle play when runner proceeds 
from first base to third on single. 

With a runner on first base, the batsman singles to right field, the run- 
ner on first going to third on the play. The fielder makes a throw to 
that base in an effort to cut him down. What umpire should make a 
ruling on such a play at third? 

The plate umpire should go down to third the moment he sees 
the batsman has hit safely. He has plenty of time to be in a per- 
fect position to judge such a play. The field umpire must watch 
the batsman to see that he touches first base, also to be in a posi- 
tion to get. a play at second base, in case the batsman decides to 
go down on the throw-in. Very often the throw is cut ofif and a 
play made on the batsman at second. By such a scheme of work- 
ing, the two umpires are in a perfect position to handle any of the 
plays that can possibly arise. 



54 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Catcher may not interfere on "squeeze" play. 

With .1 runiKT on tliird the batter tried the "squeeze" play to get him 
home. The catcher ran in front of the batter and caught the ball, touch- 
ing the runner out. The umpire allowed it. "Was he right? 

There was some question in regard to this play up to 1920, but 
there should be none in the future. Rule 56, section 21, distinctly 
provides that if the catcher leaves his position to run in front of 
the batter and prevent a "squeeze" play, the runner shall be per- 
mitted to score and the batter be permitted to go to first base. 
If the catcher pushes the batter out of the way or tips his bat, 
the same penalty must be enforced. As the "squeeze" play, which 
is a bunt-and-run play, nothing else, usually is tried in an attempt 
to tie the score or win a game, the catcher will have to be very 
careful that he does not interfere with the intent of the batter. 

Umpire must reverse his decision if the wind blows a seem- 
ing infield fly hit into foul territory. 

Runners on first and second, one man out, batter hits up fly ball in the 
general direction of the pitcher's box. The third baseman elects to make 
the play. The umpire declares the hit an intield fly, which, of course, is 
supposed to retire the batsman. A high wind is blowing, which causes 
the ball to veer in the direction of the foul line. The third baseman was 
unable to make the catch, but the wind has so carried the ball out of its 
course that when it falls safely to the ground it is in foul territory. The 
team in the field contends that since the umpire once ruled the hit an 
infield fly, the batsman is out. What is the proper ruling? 

The batsman is out when the umpire declares an infield fly, but 
the high wind rather tangled up the judgment of the umpire. 
Since it is impossible to have an infield fly on a foul ball, there is 
nothing for the umpire to do except reverse his original ruling, and 
make the batter hit over. 

When an umpire announces "infield fly/' his ruling stands 
whether an infielder or an outfielder tries for the ball. 

The bases are filled, one man out, when the batter hits a high fly to 
deep short. The umpire believes that the ball can be easily handled by 
an infielder and calls infield fly. The left fielder, who was playing in 
close, comes running in for the bail, despite the shouts of the shortstop 
that he would make the play. The shortstop, fearing a collision, steps 
out of the way, and permits the fielder to make the play. All runners 
hold their bases. The left fielder not only muffed the ball, but ga/e it a 
kick as it hit the ground. All three runners scored, and the batsmnn 
reached second base. The team at bat claims the batsman is entitled to 
hold second, because the handling of the ball by an outfielder made void 
the ruling of infield fly on the part of the umpire. 

The batsman was out, despite the fact that the outfielder in-. 
sist«'d on butting in and making the play. If the umpire believes 
an infielder can make a play on the ball, and so rules to protect, 
the base-runner, the batsman is out no matter who handles the ball. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 55 
Umpire rendered only decision possible. 

Batsman hits ball to shortstop, who makes a bad throw to first. The 
first baseman in an effort to make the catch went far up the line, colli- 
ding with the base-runner. So great was the force of the collision that 
runner and fielder were rendered unconscious. The runner was thrown 
beyond and over first base, but, of course, failed to touch it. The ball 
rolled into the infield and was recovered by the pitcher, who touched first 
base. The crowd yelled for the umpire to call time, the moment the 
players collided? What ruling should have been made on the play? 

There is nothing in the rules that gives the umpire the right to call 
time before the completion of a play, consequently when the pitcher recov- 
ered the ball and touched first base, there was nothing for the umpy-e to 
do other than to declare the batter out. It does seem almost inhuman to 
let play go on while a player is helpless on the ground. Yet, if time was 
called for an accident, regardless of the completion of a play, it would be 
greatly to the benefit of a team for players to feign injury any time it 
would work to their advantage. 

Umpire "beaned," but ball was in play. 

Score a tie in the ninth and two out, when batter hits to third baseman, 
who makes perfect throw to first that would have retired batter, but umpire 
gets in way of throw and is hit on the head; runner on third goes home 
and umpire rules run counts, winning the game. Was umpire correct? 

Yes, under the rules; if a thrown or pitched ball hits the umpire, it is in 
play. This is a change from the previous rule and differs from the rule 
regarding a batted ball hitting the umpire. 

Umpire hit before or after another player had touched ball. 

When is a ball that is fouled in play again? Does it go into play as soon 
as the batter gets in his" box and the pitcher is in position or does the 
runner have to retouch the base he left before it is in play? Batter hits 
throtigh pitcher and the ball hits the umpire; pitcher recovers ball and 
throws batter out at first; was not the batter entitled to first base? 

Under the rules regarding the foul ball not caught, play is not resumed 
until the umpire has ordered it and the umpire's duty is to see that all 
players are back in position, the runner on the base he had left and the 
pitcher in position with the ball. In brief, play is not resumed until the 
umpire orders it. If ball did not touch pitcher before hitting umpire, then 
batter is entitled to base; if it first touches pitcher or was touched by him, 
then ball is in play and batter can be thrown out. 

A player may "revolve'* as long as he has not been out of 
that particular game. 

Can a player pitch four innings, play right field two innings and then 
return to the box and pitch to the finish of the game? 

Certainly. So long as the player does not leave the team and the field 
he may play a different position every inning, if there is occasion for him 
to do so. _._ 



56 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY \ 

When thrown ball hits coacher. 

In throwing to third base the ball got away from the baseman and hit 
the coacher. The latter did not purposely get in the way of the ball, 
but the side in the field claimed that it was dead because it had hit him. 
Was the claim right? 

If the coacher did not interfere purposely, the ball was not dead 
but in play. If the umpire thought the coacher purposely inter- 
fered, he should send the runners back to their bases and put the 
coacher on the players' bench. 

Catcher cannot help pitcher to give intentional base. 

Do the new rules say that the pitcher may not give an intentional base 
on balls? 

No. They do provide that the catcher may not leave his posi- 
tion in order to assist the pitcher to give an intentional base on 
balls. If the catcher remain in his position and the pitcher can 
devise some method by which to get a batter to first base without 
permitting him to hit the ball, he has that privilege. However, he 
can no longer have the catcher as an ally for the latter is not 
permitted to stand far to one side of home plate. 



When umpire removes a player for cause from the game 
play is automatically suspended. 

Umpire puts third baseman out of the game for kicking. The pitcher Is 
not aware of it and delivers the ball to the batsman, who hits safely, 
•coring two runs. What is the proper decision? 

Umpires always rule that the moment a player is put out of the 
game, play is automatically suspended, hence no further action is 
possible. Usually they call time, but that really is not regarded as 
necessary, since the suspension of play is automatic. Incidentally, 
the ejection of a player removes a man from the line-up, making 
eight instead of nine players on a team, and it is impossible to 
play with such a condition existing. The runners should be sent 
back to their original bases, and the batter made to hit over again. 

Position of fielder does not make hit fair or foul. 

A hiill fairly hit in tlie diroction cf first base passes about a foot inside, 
liiit cnrvt'd until it was a foot outside after passing first base. The riglit 
(ieldor in trying to field tlie ball touched same witli liis gloved hand, but 
did not hold it. Tlie ball fell on foul territory and tlie umpire declared 
it a fair ball, claiming tliat as tlie fielder was on fair ground at the 
time, that the fact of liim touching the ball made it a fair ball irre- 
spective of where it fell. 

The hit was a "foul ball," if the outfielder touched it first in 
foul territory, regardless of the fact that his body Avas in fair 
territory. The position of the fielder had nothing whatever to do 
with this case. 



SPALDING'S A THLE TIC LIBRAE Y 57 

An important decision. 

ChTlf ii?the&nn"nL*i]f American League sustained a decision of Umpire 
1 • u J *^ Boston-Cleveland game of June 3, 1916, which it is said estab. 
ruSner^ ^hTd'.^Lo^n'" ''ITuI? -hich' an umpire inTerferes with '1 'base! 
runner. Ihe decision of Chill, against which Boston protested was that 
the runner return to his base. So far as known no similaV case has occurred 
in major league base ball and is not covered by the rSles Turner after 
making a hit. rounded first base and collided with Chill wice He then 
stopped and walked to second base, where he was touched by the BostoS 
TWr/n-n"^"- He was. first called out. but, after a con'^erence whh 
r^?S?n to first ' ^^' ''^'''''^ ^"^ '^"'■""'' ^^« allowed to 

This was a tie game. 

.,nV^t ^^** ^^^^ °^ *^® "'"*'* inning, after two men were out, the umoire 
Jj^^^it^^""^ °" ^f°r* °f darkness. Before the ninth inning wis 
tW h;h n?."^o ^^'"t J^^ding. 8 to 3 During their first half of the ninth 
they did not score, but during the Blues' half, or until two men were 
called the /amT^Th^. 'm"'' 'T?^ the game. At this moment thL "umpire 
u.fiJf J,? ' ■ il^ ?'"^^ claimed that as there were two-thirds of the 
last half of the ninth played before game was called score remains a tie 

The game in question ended a tie (see Rule 24). 

Returning to base under ground rules agreement. 

In the third inning with one out, A walked and, on the next pitch A 
started for second (with the intention of stealing). B hit this pitch for a 
clean, single to right, on which A kept going !o third, and also scored! 
gomg to second on the throw-in. Owing to the ground rule, which 
was One base on anything hit into right; you had to make it" (no stipu- 
lation about over-running and being put out) A was sent back to third and 
on his way back was touched out, umpire ruling play O. K., also putting 
B back on first. Was the umpire correct in his decision? 

Clearly a wrong and unjust decision. It frequently occurs that players 
go beyond the bases to which they are entitled under a ground rule agree- 
ment. In such instances play is automatically suspended and the umpire 
directs such a player or players to return to the base or bases to which they 
are entitled under the ground rule agreement, and in returning they run 
no risk or liability of being put out. 

Umpires have been known to ask scorer for the count. 

Are the official balls and strikes, as called by the umpire, kept bv the 
official scorer? ^ "y 

No; unless be likes to do it for amusement. 
It is up to the captain of the opposing team to decide. 

Is it possible for a player to return to the game after another player 
has run for him? 

Yes, if it has been agreed upon by both captains. If the opposing cap- 
tain will not permit a player to return to the game after a player has run 
for him, it is impossible for the player again to resume his place on the 
field. 



Do not forget that when a catcher drops 
the third strike it is an error. 

When the first baseman fails to touch 
first because his feet and mind do not 
work in harmony as a runner comes 
down from home, and if he has had 
ample time to touch the base to put the 
man out, it is an error. 

The rules say so now. 

The "error" was always there, but it was 
not an easy matter to make some per- 
sons grasp the fact. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY S9 



Problems in Scoring 

Defining the credit of the pitcher for a strike-out, a point 
which embarrasses many yoimg scorers. 

If the catcher drops the third strike and the base-runner reaches first 
base in safety, is the pitcher credited with a strike-out? If the catcher 
drops a third strike and the runner is put out at first, does the Ditcher 
receive credit for a strike-out? 

In both instances credit the pitcher with a strike-out in the 
summary of the score. 

How to score the play when the batter steps outside of the 
batsman's lines. 

The batter, in taking a running start for the ball, hits it to fair terri- 
tory and beats the throw to first base but is called out by the umpire for 
stepping out of his position. What is the correct manner in which to score 
the play and to whom should credit for the put-out be given? 

Charge the batter with a time at bat, but do not credit him with 
a base hit. This is in accordance with Rule 85, section 6, which 
states that the catcher is given credit for the put-out when the ball 
is Illegally batted. 

When a palpable muff is made on a foul fly it is scored an 
error always. 

First baseman drops a foul fly. On the next pitched ball the batter is 
retired on strikes. One authority says the first baseman should not be 
given an error because the batter never reached first. Is that right? 

No. A palpable mufiE is scored an error, no matter what happens 
to the batter later. 

Base-runner not to be credited with stolen base if he over- 
slides the base and is touched out. 

Runner steals second but overslides and is touched out. Does he get 
credit for a stolen base? 

No. Read Section 9, Rule 85. 

Batsman receives credit for a sacrifice on fly hit only when 
a run scores. 

On a fly out to right field, runner goes from second to third; does batter 
get credit for a sacrifice fly? 

He does not. A sacrifice fly can be credited only when a run 
scores from third base. If a runner were on second base, and 
advanced from second to third base on a fly hit and scored from 
third base on an error, the batsman who had been caught out on 
the fly would not be credited with a sacrifice fly hit. 



6o SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

Any misplay that prolongs the life of a base-runner is 
scored as an error. 

Runner on first is caught off base and is run back and forth; then 
first baseman drops ball and runner is safe back on first, is first baseman 
charged with error? 

Yes. 

Runner on first steals second and umpire calls him out. Umpire finds 
shortstop dropped the ball and calls runner safe. Is shortstop given error? 

Yes. 
Two continuous plays are always a double play. 

Rnnner on first and batter hits to pitcher, who throws to first, retir- 
lag batter; runner from first rounds second and tries for third, bat first 
baseman makes throw that puts him out before he reaches base. I con- 
tend it is scored double play, but others say it is no double play because 
runner had reached second safe and then another play starts. Which is 
right? 

It is a double play. 
Error for catcher on dropped third strike. 

The catcher dropped the third strike, allowing the runner to reach first 
base. How should this be scored? 

Score it as an error. It's just the same as a fumble on the* part 
of an infielder or a muffed fly. 

Cannot score a base hit on a force play. 

Batsman hits the ball to the outfield. It is hit far enough and appar- 
ently safely enough for a base-hit. There is a runner on first base, but he 
is so slow in running to second that he is thrown out. The batsman is 
easily safe on first. A contends that it is a base-hit and B contends that 
ic is not. Who is right? , 

B is right. No base-hit can be scored on a force play. Of course, 
it seems unjust to A, but even in the major leagues there have been 
instances when runners "loafed" between bases until the batsman 
lost a base-hit. 

No player should be given an error for trying. 

An outfielder, after a long run, touches the ball with the palm of his 
hand, but is unable to hold it. Please decide whether this is an error. 

Not as the writer states the case. Earnest eflfort on the part of 
a fielder to attempt to field a fly or ground hit never should be 
scored as an error. In former days there was a general impression 
that if a player only touched the ball on a fielding play an error 
should be scored against him. Harsh treatment of that character 
would discourage every ambitious ball player. 



SPJLDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 6t 
Home run not scored if preceding runner is third out. 

A runuer is on first base and the batter raps the ball over the fence, • 
The runner on first cuts second on his way to the plate and is declared 
out. He is the third hand out. Is the batter given a home run for his 
liit over the fence? 

No. The game was completed when the third hand was put out. 
The batter could not get to second base, because the runner was 
theoretically out at second base before the batter could touch it, 
and the runner positively out when it was decided that he did not 
touch the base. 

Error for first baseman failing to touch first. 

The first baseman had the ball in time to put out the runner, but he 
failed to touch first base. How should that have been scored? 

Give the first baseman an error. 
When bases are not to be credited as stolen. 

With the score 10 to 2 in the first half of the ninth inning, and two 
hands out, the side at bat got a man to first base. He stole second and 
third, no effort being made to prevent him. The next batter made a hit. 
He also stole second and third, no effort being made to prevent him. 
That resulted in a total of four stolen bases. Should they be credited? 

No longer. They were credited in the past and it was an unfair 
method. In case of a keen race between players for the base- 
stealing championship of the year, one or two bases given any one 
of three or four men might decide an unearned title in favor of 
the recipient of the gifts. 

When catcher interferes with the batsman, the latter goes 
to first base, but no runner may advance unless forced 
to do so. 

Runner on third and two out; baiter in swinging at ball strikes catrber'n 
Diltt with his bat. Umpire allows him first base and lets runner »core on 
ground of Interference. Was decision correct? 

The run shonld not have been allowed to score. 
Plainly an error, and a stupid one. 

With two batters out a grounder is batted to the shortstop. There are 
runners on second and third bases. The shortstop, forgetting that there 
is not a runner on first base, picks the ball up and throws it to the home 
plate. The runner who was going in from third gets back to third safely. 
The batter also reaches first in safety. Is this what is called a fielder's 
choice ? 

"Fielder's choice" has to stand for a great deal, but it doesn't 
have to stand for that. With two out the shortstop had but one 
play to make— throw to first base. When he failed to do so he 
was to be charged with an error, exactly as he would have been 
if he ha* thrown the ball over the grand stand. 



The side in the field must appeal for a 
dec^-'ion 

— When runner fails to touch a base; 

— When the runner is said to have left 
a base before a fly ball is caught; 

and 

When the runner is alleged to have 
turned toward second base after 
passing first. 

The lunpire never volunteers a decision 
on these plays. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY ^3 



Miscellaneous Problems 

Basemen are entitled to stand on their bases when runners 
are advancing. 

The batsman raps a long drive to the outfield. The ball is safe and it 
seems as if the batsman should make a home run. When the ball is batted 
all of the basemen step on their bases and the runner is compelled to go 
around them. Do the rules permit that? 

They do. If the basemen do not interfere with the runners they 
have a perfect right to stand on the bases in position to catch any 
throw which may be made to them, even though a runner is circling 
the bases. 

No specific penalty for a plugged bat. 

What is the exact rule penalty if the batsman uses a plugged bat? 
The rules do not specify any exact penalty for using a plugged 
bat. If the umpire were satisfied that the bat which was used vio- 
lated the rules of the game he could insist upon its removal from 
the playing field and upon refusal to remove it might forfeit the 
game under Rule 26. section 5. 

The fact that a batsman bats out of turn must be discov- 
ered during the game. 

After a championship game was completed it was discovered that a bats- 
man of one of the teams had not batted in turn. That he did not bat in 
turn would not have affected the outcome of the game? Should the game 
have been declared no game? 

The score and the outcome of the game must remain as the 
contest finished. If the team in the field does not discover that the 
wrong batsman is at bat, as is defined by the rules, the game 
stands as played. 

Players of the team at bat should not touch the ball even 
when it appears not to be in play. 

There is a runner on third base. The batsman hits the ball down the 
tl'ird-base line. The runner on third leaves the base and kicks the ball 
when it is about three inches out on foul ground. Is he out for so doing? 

While it is true that the ball to all intents was not in play, the 
runner took an unnecessary risk. It is better for the players of the 
team at bat not to touch the ball at any time. Suppose the umpire, 
not being in the best of position to watch the ball, took the ground 
that it had not stopped rolling and might have rolled fair? As a 
result of this he might have called the runner out for obstructing 
an infi elder. 



64 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 



A player may play in more than one position if he does not 
leave the game. 

Suppose the pitcher is batted hard and the shortstop goes in to pitch. 
When this takes place the pitcher goes to the shortstop's position or per- 
haps the pitcher goes to right field and the right fielder to the shortstop's 
position. Is it legal? 

A player may play in as many positions as his captain permits on 
the fielding side of a team if he does not leave the game. He can 
occupy the nine different positions if he plays continuously. 

Third put-out ends inning; batsman had term at bat. 

The rule reads a base on balls is not a "time at bat." Suppose a player 
receives a base on balls or is hit by a pitched ball and there is a runner 
on the bases who is put out while the player receiving the base on balls is 
jogging to first base; does the player who received a base on balls go to 
bat first in the next inning? He did not have a "time at bat." 

It is true that he did not have a technical "time at bat," so far 
as the scoring definition is concerned, but he did have a term at 
bat, and he does not go to bat first in the following inning. The 
batter who succeeds him in the batting order is the first batter in 
the next inning. 

Different degrees of similar penalty when thrown glove 
strikes a batted or thrown ball. 

What is the difference between a batted ball and a thrown ball being 
hit by a glove detached from the person of a fielder? 

When a fielder hits a thrown ball with his glove, all runners are 
entitled to advance two bases. When the glove comes into contact 
with a batted ball, all runners are entitled to three bases. 

When clothing, mask or protector assist catcher in making 
a play all conditions are changed. 

There are two strikes on the batter. The batter swings at the next 
delivery and misses, fouling the ball slightly. It strikes the catcher's 
protector and bounds off, the catcher recovering the ball before it touches 
the ground. Is the batsman out? 

The batsman is out in all such cases, provided the ball bounds 
direct off the protector. If on such a play, the ball was momenta- 
rily held, say between the mask and protector, and then rolled out, 
being recovered by the catcher before the ball touched the ground, 
the batter would not be out. 

Game won in last half of fifth inning. 

The score of a game in which we were playing was 3 to 2, in favor of 
the team second at bat in the last half of the fifth inning, with only one 
out, when rain fell and prevented the continuance of the game. Did the 
team second at bat win? 

It did. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 65 

What happened when a ball out of play was returned to 
the field. 

With a base-runner on third, the batsman hit a foul. The ball went 
outside the ground. The umpire threw the alternate ball to the pitcher 
and called "Play." As the runner started to try to steal home, some one 
returned the first ball to the diamond. It dropped on the infield and as it 
bounded struck the pitcher on the nose. The latter became confused and 
the runner who had been on third scored with ease. What should the 
umpire have done? 

As a ball not in play had been thrown back to the field, it was 
interfering with the work of the pitcher. Section 2 of Rule 74 
covers the case. This section reads : "In case of an accident which 
incapacitates a player from service on the field the umpire must 
suspend play." This would cut off the run, as the runner from 
third base would have been running on a dead ball. 

When a ball hits stand not the regulation distance. 

Grandstand is less than ninety feet from the home plate, as prescribed 
by the rules. It is agreed that on a wild pitch the runner shall be en- 
titled to one base. If the ball comes into contact with the stand. Such a 
thing happens, but the runner on first at the time tries to go to third on 
a wild pitch that strikes the stand. The catcher recovers the ball and 
throws the runner out at third. What is the decision? 

The moment the ball strikes the stand, which is less than ninety 
feet from the plate, it becomes dead. The runner who tried to go 
from first to third on the play, should not be declared out, but 
simply sent to second. 

Advancing a base on a wild pitch with an overthrow ground 
rule. 

A city league adopted a rule by which the base-runner was to be allowed 
to take one base on an overthrow at first base, third or home. A runner 
started from second to steal third and the pitcher also made a wild pitch 
at the same time. The umpire would not permit the runner to score from 
second, holding him at third. Was he right? 

Advancing a base on a wild throw may mean that the runner 
is awarded a base if he has made a start for it and in addition 
is given another base, which is the penalty of the wild throw. The 
same penalty could be enforceable so far as a wild pitch is con- 
cerned, but one base is technically right. 

First game of double-header regular game. 

Our amateur league occasionally plays a double-header due to Postpone- 
ment of some othir game. We would like to know if there is an official 
Sg as to which of the games of the double-header is the game regularly 
scheduled for that afternoon. 

The game first played has been declared to be the regulariy 
schedtiled game in the professional leagues and the same rule 
should apply in amateur games, to bring about uniformity. 



^6 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 
Player benched cannot again enter game. 

If a player was in the game and was taken out and put on the bench, 
could he run as a substitute runner? 

Man taken out of game could not enter game again. See Rule 28, Sec- 
tion 2. 

Passed ball agreement when there is not a backstop. 

In a game where there was na backstop it was agreed that only one 
base should be allowed on a passed ball. With A on third and B on second, 
catcher caught B oH his base; at same time A started for home plate and 
B started for third ; wild throw to home and both men scored. B 
had not touched third base at the time the ball was thrown to home. Is 
B entitled to score on this play? 

Supposing that second baseman threw wild to home plate, B is entitled 
to score, as a wild throw is not a passed ball (see Rule 85, Section 10); 
if one base only was agreed on as the limit on wild throv.'s then B was not 
entitled to score. 

An intelligent fielder would not make an attempt to catch a 
foul fly if there was a chance of the base-runner scoring. 

Can a base-runner advance on a foul fly caught by an outfielder? 
Yes, but an intelligent fielder would not make an attempt to catch a foul 
fly if there was a chance of the base-runner scoring. 

See diagram of field in Spalding Base Ball Guide. 

A statement is made that the distance from the pitcher's box to home 
plate is 60 feet 3 inches. The other side of the argument says it is 60 feet 
5 inches. Which is right? 

Neither! it is 60 feet 6 inches. 

Hitting a batted ball with the glove. 

Batter hits a long drive on a line to left center. Both the left and 
center fielder started in pursuit of the ball. Neither got within ten feet of 
the ball as it whizzed by them. The left fielder threw his glove at the 
ball. It was apparent that the glove had come in contact with the ball. 
The center fielder recovered the ball, which rolled to the fence. Although 
he made a fast play on it and a speedy throw to the plate the batsman 
easily made the circuit on the drive. The team in the field contended 
that the batsman was only entitled to three bases. What would have been 
the proper ruling? 

Section 6 of Rule 54 does say that the runner shall be entitled to three 
bases if the fielder stops a batted ball with his glove while detached from 
his person. It does not, however, say that the base-runner is entitled to 
more if he can make it. Several years ago I had an outfielder throw his 
glove at the ball as it was about to pass over the fence. The glove hit 
the ball, but the ball cleared the fence. I allowed a home run, although 
the team in the field contended that the batter was entitled to three bases. 
I have brought the above query up for discussion and the leading umpires 
are a unit in the belief a home run should be allowed. 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 67 

When bases are not to be credited as stolen. 

With the score 10 to 2 in the first half of the ninth inning, and two 
hands out, the side at bat got a man to first base. He stole second and 
third, no effort being made to prevent him. The next batter made a hit. 
He also stole second and third, no effort being made to prevent him. 
That resulted in a total of four stolen bases. Should they be credited? 

No longer. They were credited in the past and it was an unfair 
method. In case of a keen race between players for the base- 
stealing- championship of the year, one or two bases thus given 
any one of three or four men might decide an unearned title in 
favor of the recipient of the gifts. 

Legal game if score equal in last half of fifth inning. 

Is a tie game in the last half of the fifth inning legal if the side second 
at bat is unable to complete its half of the fifth inning because of storm 
or for other good reason? 

Your question has been definitely settled by the new rules, which 
provide that if the side last at bat in the fifth inning has equaled' 
the score which has been made by the team first at bat, the game 
is a legal drawn game if it is impossible to proceed further. 

Game must be forfeited when there are less than nine 
players on the field. 

Eight players take the field for their half of an inning. The ball Is 
batted and caught. At that moment the captain of the team at bat notes 
that but eight men are in the field. What should the umpire do upon 
appeal? 

The umpire has but one thing to do. Section 7 of Rule 26 says 
the umpire must forfeit a game if for any cause there be less than 
nine players on either team. 

Score a run after two hands are out if the third out is not 
made until after the runner has crossed home plate. 

In the first half of the eleventh inning, with the score a tie and two 
hands out, the batsman hits safely to left field. The runner scores, but 
the batter is thrown out trying to make third base after the run is over . 
the plate. Does the run count? 

It is a legal run. If the third hand had been put out before the 
batsman had reached first base, or the third hand had been put out 
on a force play, the run would not have counted. In the case cited, 
the batsman did reach first base in safety and continued to run the 
bases while the base-runner, who scored, crossed home plate in 
safety before the batsman, who had become a base-runner, was put 
out. 

But don't score a safe hit, too, for the batter. 

If a fielder fumbles a sure sacrifice hit and the batter reaches first base. 
l8 he still credited with a sacrifice? 

Yes. If the attempt to sacrifice Is palpable, the batter must 
not be penalized for the mistake of a fielder. 



68 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 



Index to ''Knotty Problems" 



BATTIN 
Page 
. 10 



Balk, runner on third scares... 

play ceases when called 12 

batter never goes to first 18 

each base-runner may advance... 21 

pitcher's delay may cause one.... 12 

Ball, bounds foul from pitcher's 

plate 5 

final resting place decides fairness 7 

being hit by one slow pitched.... 7 

foul cannot be called infield fly... 14 
in play although it may hit the 

umpire 14 

fair or foul determined by loca- 
tion of ball not of fielder IS 

why foul when it hits batsman in 



box 

fair if it rolls 
between first 



15 

on fair territory 
md home 17 



position of fielder nothing to do 

with decision on fair or foul... 20 
pitched, strikes batter, dead ball. 23 
bunt, fair or foul, where ball rests 

before reaching first or third 

base 24 

walking into pitched ball and 

penalty 26 

in hands of first baseman, though 

touching ground, runner out... 31 
Base-runner, when failure to touch 

base may kill run 5 

hit by an infield fly 6 

may advance on fly that is juggled 7 
entitled to score if catcher tries to 

block him without ball in hand. 8 
fails to touch first, run cannot 

score 9 

may not score if third hand is out 

before reaching first 9 

may score when bases are filled 
and batter gets base on balls... 9 

not always forced if catcher drops 
third strike 10 



not forced at second 
out in advance 



batter is 



10 



G. 

Page 

ase-runner not forced at second 
when catcher drops third strike, 
runners on first and second, 
unless two out 11 

with two on same base runner 
entitled to base not out if 
touched 12 

runner on third out if batsman in- 
terferes with catcher in squeeze 
play 13 

must return to base when ball 
hits batsman 14 

out when he passes preceding 
runner 14 

right to leave base line to prevent 
interfering with fielder 18 

may steal base on caught foul tip. 19 

scores if batsman is entitled to 
^first base 20 

not entitled to score when bats- 
man is out before reaching first 
base 20 

how he may advance on ground 
rule 21 

entitled to all bases he can make 
if backstop is at legal distance. 21 

not forced when on first base and 
batsman is put out before he is. 21 

first and second bases occupied, 
if runner from first is out first 
no force play on runner at . 
second 22 

hit by batted ball between first 
and second, batter receives 
credit for a hit 24 

may step out of three-foot line, 
home to first 25 

when not to score from third if 
catcher interferes, batter to go 
to first 27 

on third never out because catcher 
drops third strike 28 

from first stops, fielder puts out 
batter, no longer any force play 28 

not forced when catcher drops 
third strike unless two out 28 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 



69 



INDEX TO "KNOTTY PROBLEMS"— BATTING— Continued. 



Page 
Base-runner on first steps off long 
enough for batter to be retired, 
then steps back, not forced .... 29 

may score from third on passed 
ball 29 

scores if third hand is out be- 
tween second and third after he 
is home 29 

may hold base with no one out 
when catcher drops third strike. 29 

if on third, not privileged to score 
when catcher drops third strike. 31 
Batsman may go to first on catcher's 
interference 5 

out, if after base on balls, he fails 
to touch first trying for second 6 

penalty for stepping out of bat- 
ter's box 6 

even if foul fly is caught safe at 
first if catcher interferes with 
him 7 

out if one of his own team strikes 
with bat fielder trying for catch 13 

hits ball that would have gone 
over fence but for spectator 
entitled to home run if- ground 
rule 15 

not out if ball is caught beyond 
ropes by fielder jumping barrier 16 

out if ball is caught by fielder on 
fair ground who falls over bar- 
rier 16 

out when with two strikes he 
swings at ball which hits him.. 17 

automatically out if catcher drops 
ball on third strike, none out, 
runner on first 17 

stepping out of box with pitcher 
in position 18 

position in batting order when 
after acting as pinch hitter he 
becomes substitute 18 

interferes if he throws bat at ball 
in fair territory 18 

attempting to bunt makes strike.. 19 

should be given reasonable time 
to regain his balance 19 

entitled to first base if base um- 
pire is hit by batted ball 22 

penalty for batting out of turp... 23 

running out of box not out if he 
fails to hit ball 24 



Page 

Batsman can be removed at any 
time 24 

right may be substituted at once. 24 

when he may change from right 
to left, or vice versa 25 

strike against him because hit by 
pitched ball, runner goes back 
to third 26 

not out for taking two steps out 
of base line after missed third 
strike 27 

out if ball hit player before um- 
pire and was fielded to first in 
time 27 

may sacrifice player from second 
to third 28 

hit by ball which touches him in 
batter's box, not out 30 

when out for not batting in turn. 30 

leaves batter's box, umpire must 
use judgment 19 

cuts a base, umpire must not give 
decision except on appeal 24 

tries for double, run scores before 
he is put out 26 

out on outfield fly run scores if 
made before third hand out.... 26 

home run to be decided on play- 
ing field boundary fence 20 

Coacher, lost run for his team by 

bad advice 8 

runs home against rule forfeiting 
base-runner's right to score.... 10 
Force out, none because a runner in 

rear is faster than one in front. 23 

not possible on dropped third 

strike, no one out 29 

Foul ball, team not to be penalized 
if umpire makes mistake in 
calling one. Decision reversed. 11 

if caught between chest protector 
and catcher's body batter may 
strike again 26 

ball tipped and caught is second 
strike runner may steal 27 

umpire not to send runner back 

who steals on foul tip 28 

Glove thrown, penalty if glove hits 

ball 26 

Infield fly, rule does not apply when 

only runner on first 16 



70 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 



INDEX TO "KNOTTY PROBLEMS"— BATTING 
Page 



Infield fly, 
fly .. 



bunted fair fly not infield 



21 

definition of 22 

when rule is applied 23 

does not apply on foul fly 25 

plays that hinge on it 27 

if only runner on first umpire 
must not call batter out and 
send runner back 30 

Interference, not to be allowed after 
fielder has had chance to re- 
cover ball 11 



Continued. 

Page 

Interference, umpire must judge 
with whom takes place 13 

intent cannot be considered in 

interference 15 

special rule when spectators inter- 
fere 17 

Pinch hitters, how to be substi- 
tuted 16 

Pitcher in action, batter must not 
go from one box to the other.. '25 

substituted, to whom loss of game 

is charged 30 

Scoring on squeeze, unusual play in 

major league 12 



Base-runner, bases may not be run 
in reverse order 

captain must give consent for sub- 
stitute to remain in game 

must touch bases regular order 
for run to count 

base always belongs to original 
holder 

hustle back to base after foul hit. 
may risk advance on infield fly... 

force rule explained 34 

batsman and not runner starts 

force play 35 

on base out by being hit by 

batted ball 35 

, not out if pitcher does not handle 

ball properly after foul 35 

struck by thrown ball 36 

hit by batted ball 36 

failure to touch base is out 36 

must touch home plate to score.. 36 

sliding to the bases 36 

may turn either way after touch- 
ing first 37 

not penalized because thrown ball 

hits umpire 37 

missing first may cost batter long 
distance hit 37 



batter becoming base-runner starts 
force play 



BASE-RUNNING. 

Base-runner may steal on foul tip.. 38 

running outside of base lines on 
long hits 38 

safe at second after fourth ball to 
batter even if touched 38 

coacher may not "make believe" 
to score 38 

turning first base 38 

may start the instant ball touches 
fielder's hands 39 

must retouch bases in regular 
order 39 

cannot be blocked o£f base unless 
baseman has ball in his pos- 
session 39 

not out if fielder merely crosses 
line, ball in hand 40 

scores ahead of home run in final 
inning 40 

scores from third if bases are 
filled and batsman receives base 
on balls 40 

cannot score if batter was third 
out before reaching first 41 

not out if fielder collides after 

chance to handle the ball 41 

doubled on first base 41 

after turning first base forfeits 
right to return if direct start is 
made for second 41 



Balk, pitcher must pitch ball after 

windup 43 

two penalties for same fault 44 



. 37 
PITCHING. 
Balk, 

if 



play suspended 44 

p-'tcher drops ball in act of 
delivery 45 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 



71 



INDEX TO "KNOTTY PROBLEMS"— PITCHING— Continued 
Page 



Balk, any motion to deceive base- 
runner 46 

none if pitcher makes a motion to 
throw to second base 46 

only base-runners advance 46 

deliberate on part of pitcher 47 

not one if the batsman interferes 
with catcher 47 

pitcher's delivery should be 
watched closely 47 

Ball, strikes ground before reach- 
ing batsman 43 

need not be thrown, to second or 
third bases on feint to catch 
runner ,44 

niav not be hidden 45 



Page 

Ball, dead if bat is hit accidentally. 45 
two on batter, pitcher may be 

taken out 46 

Pitcher, inception of play begins 

with his windup 43 

must step oflf plate to get runner 

trying to steal home 44 

may ask umpire for permission to 

step off plate 45 

strike when pitcher is off plate. . . 46 
cannot claim out because of his 
forgetfulness 46 

gets strikeout if catcher drops 

third strike 46 

is credited with win if he enters 

game with score tied 47 

Wild pitch, penalty for one 45 



UMPIRING. 



Ball, in play when umpire is hit by 

throw, runner stealing 53 

thrown and hitting umpire in fair 
or four territory is in play 49 

dead, not fourth ball, bat acci- 
dentally hit 49 

bounds from protector, caught by 
catcher is out 50 

fair, hits umpire on foul ground.. 50 

batted, hits runner. Umpire to 
determine whether penalty 51 

not hit by thrown glove, penalty 
not enforced 53 

hits umpire on throw to first in 
play 55 

fouled when in play again 55 

hit through infielder touches um- 
pire 55 

hits coacher 56 

Balk, umpire renders decision with- 
out appeal 51 

Catcher, umpire interferes with him, 
play suspended 53 

not to interfere on squeeze play.. 54 

may nof assist pitcher to give 
intentional base on balls 56 

Colliding players, when umpire calls 
■ time 50 



Ground rules, should always be 

definite 50 

umpire may make when captains 
fail to agree 51 

returning to bases 57 

Players, ordered from field refuse to 

depart 52 

Players may revolve if he remains 
in game 55 

ordered from- field play is auto- 
matically suspended 56 

collide, important decision 57 

may return to game if both cap- 
tains agree 57 

Substitutes, failure to announce 
does not affect plays 49 

Umpire, judges interference on 

missed third strike 31 

duty in case of injury to player.. 49 
rules on freak delivery without 

appeal 51 

may not coach base-runners 51 

in chief, when to ask field umpire 
for information 52 

three different plays on which 
appeal must be made by players 
before ruling can be made 52 



72 



SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 

INDEX TO "KNOTTY PROBLEMS"— UMPIRING— Continued. 



'KNOTTY PROBLEMS" 
Page 
Umpire, how to suspend play 53 



how to handle play when runner 
is going from first to third 53 

must reverse decision if wind 
blows ball foul 54 



Page 
Umpire, ruling stands no matter what 

fielder tries for infield fly 54 

cannot call time for collision be- 
fore completion of play 55 

deciding on a tie game 57 

asking scorer for count 57 



SCORING. 



Base hit, not to be scored on force 

play 

Batsman, how to score out when he 

steps outside his box 

credit for sacrifice fly only when 

runner scores 

when catcher interferes, batter 

goes to first base 

Error, score one on palpable muff of 

foul fly • 59 

score one if life of base-runner is 

prolonged 60 

catcher receives one if he drops 
third strike 60 



Error, never give one for trying. . . 60 
first baseman receives one if he 

fails to touch first 61 

one that was much in evidence. . 61 
Home run, cannot be scored if pre- 
ceding runner is out 61 

Strike-out, when pitcher receives 

credit 59 

Stolen base, not to be credited if 

runner overslides 59 

not to be credited if "present" to 

runner 61 

Two plays, always a double play if 

in continuation 60 



Ball, batted or thrown, different 

penalties 64 

out of play and returned to field. 65 
hits stand, latter not at regula- 
tion distance 65 

batted with the glove 66 

Basemen, may stand on their bases 
when runners are going around. 

Bat, no specific penalty for one that 
is plugged 

Batsman, must be discovered dur- 
ing game that he bats out of 

turn 

four balls is "term at bat" but 
not "time at bat" 

Catcher, when clothing, mask or 
protector assist in making play. 

Double-header, first game is regular 
game 

Foul fly, when not advisable to 
catch one 66 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

Fifth inning. 



63 



63 



63 



64 



64 



65 



when game is won... 64 
when game is legal 67 

Forfeit, when there are less than 
nine players for either team. ... 67 

Players, those of team at bat should 

not touch the ball 63 

may play more positions than one 

if always in game 64 

benched cannot again enter game. 66 

Passed ball, agreement when there 

is no backstop 66 

Pitching distance, diagram in Spald- 
ing's Official Base Ball Guide.. 66 

Run. how to be scored after two 

hands are out 67 

Safe hit, when not to be credited to 
batter 67 

Stolen bases, when not to be cred- 
ited 67 

Wild pitch, advancing on overthrow 
ground rule 65 



How to Umpire 

Under the best of circumstances the 
umpire's position is not an agreeable one. 
Instant decisions, which must be sus- 
tained unfaheringly and yet satisfy 
opposing elements, are required of the 
successful umpire. 

Besides knowing the rules and being 
familiar with their intent and purpose, 
every umpire should read the Spalding 
Athletic Library book on "How to 
Umpire," written by Billy Evans, the 
well known American League arbitrator 
(price 25 cents). 

In this volume many instructions are 
given for the proper method of conduct- 
ing a game, which, based on years of 
actual experience, cannot help but be 
useful to every umpire. 

Ask for Spalding's "How to Umpire." 
At all Spalding dealers or direct from 
the publishers, American Sports Pub- 
lishing Company, 45 Rose Street, New 
York. 




/ 



There is no 
"knotty problem" 
when it comes to 
selecting base ball 
equipment. 

Spalding for Quality 
every time. 

"Just as good" is 
never just the same. 













A swift foul tip 
hurts just as much 
in the minors as it 
does in the big 
leagues — 

^TT^L^ is the one position on the ball 
field that requires "big league" equipment 
all the time. The umpire cannot afford to 
risk the use of doubtful equipment. He, 
of all participating in the gaine, requires 
substantial protection. Spalding umpires* 
paraphernalia is made not only along the 
most approved lines but also with the con- 
tinual thought of its ultimate use. 

SPALDING UMPIRES' MASKS 

No. UO. "Super-Protected." Wires support each other 
^'^tr.^^\^ arranged accordingr to an entirely new 
principle of construction. Eye opening is straight 

Jnd°'fnMin'""^ ^^/^ T^'^ P^^^«^ -hin protection 
and folding special padded ear pieces. . .Each, $11.00 

SPALDING UMPIRES' BODY PROTECTORS 

Give length and width required when ordering Um- 
pires' Body Protectors. 
Mn' T« r^»^^'^ ^^/^® ^^^®' ^est quality. Each, $13.50 
u,^^' J^^fl""^' . ^P^^*^^ "^^* ^ei^ht. soft, rubber 
1.T "^?^^P®^^^^ orders only Each S'>0 (K) 

nS- R^-InflftT^'n ^"^^'^^ «*^^«' »"t taflSed • ^liSJ 
No. R. Inflated. Correct model. Cover of good ma- 

- terial. Fiexrble inflating tube Eaf h $l?So 

^. Qwi^"^^^^^^ SPECIAL UMPIRES' SHOES 

for? Solil'^hnv^ Umpires' Shoes (patent applied 
tor). Solid box toe and outside papped tongue 
nttlTJ^k^t'^T^ ^1^*^^^= ^h^te oak le'kther soles; 
cl*r?fed"l? sS?L'^^!^^!\ .^.'!^^^-. . .^?. '.:'%^^%.ni 
M. i?«®^^,^?^^ UaiPIRES' LEG GUARDS 

Lea^?;r l^^'^J^'^Y' ^^^ ^"^ P^««^' "«* ribbed. 
Leather padded at ankle and knee Pair, $8 00 

M. n i?^^^^^^^ UMPIRE INDICATOR 

%J^- ^/^° f^ celluloid; exact size, 3 x 1 Vo inches 
Endorsed and used by all League umpires' 

Each, 73c 



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